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The Colorado Advance Directive is the amalgamation of a living will and medical power of attorney. This means that users can state what they would like to occur if they are ever in a situation where they are faced with serious healthcare issues but cannot vocalize their wishes (due to incapacitation). It also allows them to assign an agent, also known as an “attorney-in-fact”, to make decisions for them if they ever do wind up in an unresponsive state. To achieve this, the primary party will have to customize the document to their needs, nominate an agent to operate on their behalf, and then sign the instrument as directed.

This Document Contains:

Laws

Statutes – Colorado Revised Statutes – Powers of Attorney (§ 15-14-500.3 – 15-14-509) (Medical POA), and Colorado Revised Statutes – Declarations – Future Health Care treatment (§ 15-18-113 – 15-18.7-110) (Living Will)

Definitions – “Advance medical directive” means any written instructions concerning the making of medical treatment decisions on behalf of the person who has provided the instructions. An advance medical directive includes a medical durable power of attorney executed pursuant to section § 15-14-506, a declaration executed pursuant to the “Colorado Medical Treatment Decision Act“, article 18 of this title, a power of attorney granting medical treatment authority executed prior to July 1, 1992, pursuant to section § 15-14-501, and a declaration executed pursuant to article 18.6 of this title (§ 15-14-505(2)).

Signing Requirements – The living will portion requires at least two (2) witnesses to observe the signing (§ 15-18-106). Although not required, it is recommended that the principal have the form notarized by a licensed official.

Revocation – § 15-18-109