The Georgia Advance Directive has replaced the “living will” and “medical power of attorney” in terms of life planning documents as it contains all the same characteristics of the previous forms. With the utilization of this written instrument, users can detail how they would like certain health care situations handled if they are ever in a position where they cannot express their wishes. Also, they can designate an individual that they feel is dependable to conduct these decisions on their behalf. To effectuate the document, the principal must appoint an agent (and backup agent if desired), select their treatment preferences, and sign the instrument along with two (2) testifying witnesses.
Instructions – Adobe PDF
Laws
Statutes – Title 31, Chapter 32: Advance Directives for Health Care
Definition – § 31-32-2(1)
Signing Requirements – The declarant must sign the document along with two (2) witnesses (§ 31-32-5(c)(1)).
Other Versions (13)
- AARP (Caring Connections)
- DeKalb Medical
- Department of Human Services
- Five Wishes (Aging with Dignity)
- Houston Health Care
- Kaiser Permanente
- Northeast Georgia Health System
- Northside Hospital
- Piedmont Healthcare
- Prepare for Your Care
- Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta
- Spanish/Español
- University of Georgia
AARP (Caring Connections) Version
Download: Adobe PDF
Instructions: Adobe PDF
Download: Adobe PDF
Department of Human Services Version
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx)
Five Wishes (Aging with Dignity) Version
Download: Adobe PDF
Download: Adobe PDF
Download: Adobe PDF
Northeast Georgia Health System Version
Download: Adobe PDF
Northside Hospital Version (FAQ & Advance Directive Wallet Cards)
Download: Adobe PDF
Download: Adobe PDF
Prepare for Your Care Version (also available in Spanish/en Español) 
Download: Adobe PDF
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta Version
Download: Adobe PDF
Spanish/Español Version (Preguntas más Frecuentes y Tarjeta de Cartera)
Download: Adobe PDF
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx)
How to File
The state of Georgia does not contain a database for residents to register their advance directive. Instead, individuals should provide copies of their completed document to their:
- Health Care Agent
- Family
- Physician
(The executor of the advance directive should also retain a copy for their own personal records.)
Additional Resources
- Department of Human Services – Guardianship Guide
- Division of Aging Services – Advance Directive Replaces Living Wills & Durable POA
- Medical Center of Central Georgia – Advance Directive for Health Care Information
- Navicent Health – Advance Directive for Health Care Information
- Northeast Georgia Health System – Advance Care Planning Booklet
- Northeast Georgia Health System – Setting Health Care Goals
- Northside Hospital – “Your Right to Decide” (in Spanish/en Español)
- State Bar of Georgia – Advance Directive for Health Care Pamphlet
- Wellstar Health System – Advance Directive FAQ
Related Forms
Durable (Financial) Power of Attorney
Download: Adobe PDF
DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Order
Download: Adobe PDF
POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) Form
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx)