What are the steps to create a healthcare directive?

Designate a trusted person to make medical decisions if you become unable to communicate. Your agent should understand your values and be willing to advocate for your wishes. The AI agent can explain the agent’s responsibilities and help you evaluate candidates by asking key questions about familiarity and availability.

Specify the types of medical care you would or would not want in situations like terminal illness, permanent unconsciousness, or end-stage conditions. Using its knowledge base, the AI agent can surface your state's standardized living will forms, define commonly confusing terms (such as life-sustaining treatment or comfort care), and prompt you with clear "yes/no" scenarios to capture your choices accurately.

Once your directive is drafted, it must be signed according to your state’s rules. This usually requires witnesses (who are not your healthcare agent or a relative) or a notary public. Custom actions within the platform can collect your signature and the required witnesses' details, then automatically schedule a notary appointment or an in-person signing session if needed, keeping the whole process documented and organized.

Your healthcare directive is only effective if it’s accessible when needed. Upload the signed document to your secure account so the knowledge base can retrieve it whenever you or your agent has questions. Distribute copies to your healthcare agent, primary physician, and family members, and store a backup where it can be easily found in an emergency.

What is included in a healthcare directive?

A comprehensive healthcare directive typically names one or more healthcare agents, provides a living will with instructions about life-sustaining treatments and end-of-life care, and may include preferences for organ donation, pain management, and spiritual care. Additional forms, such as a HIPAA release, are often attached to ensure your agent can access medical records.

Can I create a healthcare directive online?

Yes. Many states now accept electronic signatures and digital notarization. An AI agent can walk you through the necessary forms using your state’s legal templates, but you must still follow your jurisdiction’s signing and witnessing requirements to make the directive valid. The platform helps you collect signatures and schedule any in-person steps.

How often should I update my healthcare directive?

Review your directive at least every 3 to 5 years, and after any major life change such as marriage, divorce, a new medical diagnosis, or the death of your chosen agent. Each time you update it, the AI agent can re-fetch your state’s current forms and remind you of any legal changes that affect your document.