Advance Directive Information
An advance directive is a legal document provided by the state that outlines your wishes for medical treatment ahead of time.
This document puts your preferences in writing and can be a conversation guide to discuss your wishes with your loved ones. Loved ones and health care providers can refer to it when making decisions about your care if you are unable to make your wishes known.
Two Primary Purposes
- Specifies treatment preferences a person wants or doesn't want for end-of-life care
- Names a health care agent, who is someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you can no longer speak for yourself
The chaplains at Atrium Health Floyd and trained volunteers can provide education and assistance to help you complete an Advance Directive form. To request assistance, call
706-509-5199 or email us.
Advance Directive Form Downloads
The following links provide online Advance Directive forms, which can be downloaded and printed. Watch the four instructional videos below for step-by-step instructions.
Georgia Advance Directive in English
Georgia Advance Directive in Spanish
Alabama Advance Directive in English
The AARP site provides links to forms from every state.
Who Makes the Decisions
Your Health Care Agent will make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. If you don't choose one, state law will decide who it should be.
Treatments You Prefer
Determine ahead of time how you want to be treated if you have a terminal or irreversible condition. It is important for you to realize you might not always be able to make your wishes known.
If You Need a Guardian
Only a judge can chose a guardian, but you can make your wishes known by naming ;someone. Patients often choose their health care agent.
What Signatures Are Needed
You will need to get signatures from the right people to ensure your Advance Directive is completed properly and is valid.