Tennessee Living Will Form Free Printable Template

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Tennessee, known as the Volunteer State, is famous for its rich music scene, beautiful mountains, and vibrant cities. However, when it comes to end-of-life care, having a clear plan in place is crucial. A living will, also known as an advance directive, is a document that outlines a person's medical wishes if they become incapacitated and unable to communicate. In this article, we will explore the importance of having a living will in Tennessee, how to create one, and provide a free printable template.

Living wills are essential documents that ensure an individual's autonomy and dignity are respected, even when they can no longer make decisions for themselves. By having a living will, you can specify your preferences for medical treatment, including life-sustaining interventions, pain management, and other care options. This document can also alleviate the burden on family members and loved ones, who may struggle with making difficult decisions on your behalf.

Creating a living will in Tennessee is a relatively straightforward process. The state has specific requirements and guidelines for advance directives, which must be followed to ensure the document is valid. Here are the steps to create a living will in Tennessee:

Step 1: Choose a Template or Form

You can either create your own living will from scratch or use a pre-designed template. The Tennessee Department of Health provides a sample living will form that you can use as a guide. Alternatively, you can use the free printable template provided below.

Step 2: Identify Your Healthcare Agent

A healthcare agent, also known as a proxy or surrogate, is the person you appoint to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Choose someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, or loved one. Make sure to discuss your wishes and preferences with your healthcare agent, so they understand your values and goals.

Important Considerations

• Your healthcare agent must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Tennessee.
• You can appoint multiple agents, but they must be able to act independently.
• If you appoint multiple agents, you must specify how decisions will be made if they disagree.

Step 3: Specify Your Medical Wishes

This is the most critical part of your living will. You must clearly outline your medical preferences, including:

• Life-sustaining treatments, such as CPR, ventilation, and dialysis
• Pain management and comfort measures
• Artificial nutrition and hydration
• Organ donation
• Autopsy and funeral arrangements

Examples of Medical Wishes

• I want to receive all available treatments to prolong my life, even if they are experimental or have significant side effects.
• I do not want to receive any life-sustaining treatments, including CPR, ventilation, or dialysis.
• I want to receive pain management and comfort measures, but I do not want to receive any treatments that would prolong my life artificially.

Step 4: Sign and Witness the Document

Once you have completed your living will, you must sign it in the presence of two witnesses. The witnesses must be at least 18 years old and cannot be your healthcare agent or a beneficiary of your estate.

Witness Requirements

• Witnesses must sign the document in your presence.
• Witnesses must provide their addresses and telephone numbers.
• Witnesses cannot be related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Free Printable Template

Here is a free printable template for a Tennessee living will:

[Insert template]

In conclusion, having a living will in Tennessee is crucial for ensuring your autonomy and dignity are respected, even when you can no longer make decisions for yourself. By following the steps outlined above and using the free printable template provided, you can create a valid living will that reflects your medical wishes and values.

We encourage you to share this article with your loved ones and take the necessary steps to create a living will. Remember, having a living will is not just about planning for the end of life; it's about living with dignity and respect.