The Texas Living Will, otherwise known in the state as the “Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates”, is a tool that is proactively carried out by those wishing to express their desires regarding certain dire health care situations. When an individual is facing serious health complications and is no longer conscious, individuals in charge of the person’s well-being may struggle with what the right decision is regarding their care. With this document, a party can preemptively establish their preferences regarding end-of-life care, life-sustaining treatments, and any resuscitation efforts. All the declarant has to do is to provide their name, indicate their preferences, and sign the form in the presence of two (2) witnesses.
Laws
Statute – § 166.003
Definition – “Directive” means an instruction made to administer, withhold, or withdraw life-sustaining treatment in the event of a terminal or irreversible condition (§ 166.031(1)).
Signing Requirements – Acknowledgment of Two (2) Witnesses or Notary Public (§ 166.032)
Other Versions (6)
- Baylor, Scott, & White (BSW) Health
- Spanish/Español
- Texas Catholic
- Texas Health
- Texas Hospital Association
- Texas Medical Association
Baylor, Scott, & White (BSW) Health Version
Download: Adobe PDF
Download: Adobe PDF
Download: Adobe PDF
Download: Adobe PDF
Texas Hospital Association Version
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx)
Texas Medical Association Version
Download: Adobe PDF
Additional Resources
- Texas A & M – End-of-Life Documents
Related Forms (8)
- Advance Directive (Medical POA & Living Will)
- Advance Directive Wallet Card
- Appointment for Disposition of Remains
- Declaration for Mental Health Treatment
- Durable (Financial) Power of Attorney Form
- HIPAA Authorization to Disclose Protected Health Information
- Organ Donation Form
- Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate (OOH-DNR) Order
Advance Directive (Medical POA & Living Will)
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx)
Download: Adobe PDF
Appointment for Disposition of Remains
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx)
Declaration for Mental Health Treatment (also available in Spanish/en Español)
Download: Adobe PDF
Laws: Adobe PDF
Durable (Financial) Power of Attorney
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx)
HIPAA Authorization to Disclose Protected Health Information
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx)
Download: Adobe PDF
Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate (OOH-DNR) Order
Download: Adobe PDF
Instructions: Adobe PDF (in Spanish/en Español)