Legal Living Will Form for the State of Florida
Outline
Additional State-specific Living Will Forms
Physicians Directive - Having a Living Will can make difficult choices easier for your loved ones.
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Florida Living Will Sample
Florida Living Will Template
This Living Will is designed to comply with the laws of the State of Florida. It outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment in the event you become unable to communicate.
Principal’s Information:
Name: ________________________________________
Date of Birth: __________________________________
Address: ______________________________________
City, State, Zip: _____________________________
Declaration:
I, the undersigned, being of sound mind, willfully and voluntarily make this declaration on this ____ day of ______________, 20__.
In the event that I am diagnosed with a terminal illness or an end-stage condition, and I am no longer capable of making my own healthcare decisions, I express my wishes as follows:
- I do not wish to receive life-prolonging procedures if my attending physician determines that these procedures would only prolong the process of dying.
- I wish to receive comfort care and pain management as deemed necessary, even if it may hasten my death.
- In instances where I may be in a persistent vegetative state or suffering from an irreversible condition, I prefer to avoid any extraordinary measures to prolong my life.
Designation of Healthcare Surrogate:
If needed, I designate the following person as my healthcare surrogate:
Name of Surrogate: _____________________________
Address: ______________________________________
Phone Number: ________________________________
Signature:
_______________________________________________
(Signature of Principal)
Witnesses:
This Living Will must be witnessed by two individuals who are not related to the Principal, nor benefit from the Principal's estate.
Witness 1: ____________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________
Date: _________________________________________
Witness 2: ____________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________
Date: _________________________________________
Notary Public: (Optional)
State of Florida
County of ____________________________________
Subscribed and sworn before me this ____ day of ______________, 20__.
_______________________________________________
Notary Public Signature
Instructions on Utilizing Florida Living Will
Completing the Florida Living Will form is an important step in planning for your future healthcare preferences. Once you have filled out the form, ensure that it is signed and witnessed according to Florida law. This will help ensure that your wishes are respected when it matters most.
- Obtain the Florida Living Will form. You can find it online or through legal offices.
- Read through the entire form carefully to understand its sections.
- Fill in your full name, address, and date of birth at the top of the form.
- Decide on your healthcare preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments.
- Clearly indicate your wishes by checking the appropriate boxes or writing in your preferences.
- Sign and date the form at the designated area.
- Have the form witnessed by two individuals who are not related to you and who will not inherit from you.
- Make copies of the signed form for your records and to share with your healthcare provider and loved ones.
Misconceptions
Understanding the Florida Living Will form is crucial for making informed decisions about your healthcare preferences. However, there are several misconceptions that can lead to confusion. Here are five common misunderstandings:
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Misconception 1: A Living Will is the same as a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.
A Living Will specifically outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment in the event you become unable to communicate. In contrast, a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare designates someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. They serve different purposes and can work together.
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Misconception 2: A Living Will only applies at the end of life.
While many people associate Living Wills with end-of-life care, they can also address situations where you are incapacitated but not necessarily at the end of life. This includes any circumstance where you cannot express your wishes.
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Misconception 3: You cannot change your Living Will once it is created.
You have the right to update or revoke your Living Will at any time, as long as you are of sound mind. It’s important to review your wishes periodically and make adjustments as your situation or preferences change.
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Misconception 4: A Living Will is only for older adults.
Anyone over the age of 18 can create a Living Will. Accidents or sudden illnesses can happen to anyone, making it essential for all adults to consider their healthcare preferences.
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Misconception 5: A Living Will guarantees that your wishes will always be followed.
While a Living Will provides guidance to healthcare providers, it may not cover every possible scenario. Healthcare professionals will do their best to honor your wishes, but unforeseen circumstances can arise. Having open conversations with your loved ones and healthcare providers is important.
Clearing up these misconceptions can empower you to make informed decisions about your healthcare. It’s always wise to consult with a professional for personalized advice and guidance.
Documents used along the form
When preparing a Florida Living Will, it's essential to consider other documents that can complement your wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care. These documents help ensure that your preferences are clear and respected. Here are four important forms often used alongside a Living Will:
- Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: This document allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. It gives that person the authority to act in your best interest, ensuring your healthcare preferences are followed.
- Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR): A DNR is a specific order that instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR if your heart stops or you stop breathing. This document is particularly important for individuals who wish to avoid aggressive life-saving measures in certain situations.
- Hold Harmless Agreement: This agreement protects individuals or organizations from being held liable for certain risks and damages. For more information on the legal implications and how to use this document, visit All Washington Forms.
- Health Care Surrogate Designation: Similar to a Durable Power of Attorney, this document designates a surrogate to make healthcare decisions for you. This can be particularly useful if you want to ensure that someone close to you can advocate for your care when you cannot speak for yourself.
- Advance Directive: This is a broader term that encompasses both the Living Will and the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. It outlines your wishes for medical treatment and appoints someone to make decisions on your behalf, providing a comprehensive approach to your healthcare preferences.
Having these documents in place can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. They help clarify your wishes and ensure that your healthcare decisions align with your values, even when you are unable to communicate them directly.