Health Care Directives

A health care directive is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for the people you love. It puts your medical wishes in writing and names someone you trust to make decisions for you if you ever cannot speak for yourself. That way, your family is not left guessing during a difficult moment.

“It’s not fun to think about, but everyone will face it, either with plans in place or without,” says Kelly Danter, RN and Discharge Planner at Glacial Ridge Hospital. “By writing down some of your basic thoughts or beliefs, your family will feel better about making hard decisions in a crisis.”

What is a health care directive?

It is a legal document that records your wishes for medical care and lets you name a person, called an agent, to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. In Minnesota, you must be at least 18 to create one.

How to Create One

  1. Choose your agent. Pick an adult you trust to follow your wishes, plus an alternate in case your first choice is unavailable.
  2. Complete the form. Fill it out and sign it in front of either two witnesses or a notary public.
  3. Share it. Give signed copies to your agent, your loved ones, and your doctor, and ask that it be added to your medical record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be my agent?

Choose someone 18 or older who will follow your wishes, stay calm under pressure, and be reachable when needed. In Minnesota, your agent generally cannot be a provider giving you direct care, unless that person is a relative or you explain your reasons in the directive.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. If you are at least 18 and can understand and communicate your wishes, you can complete a directive on your own.

When should I update it?

Review your wishes at every physical exam, and whenever any of the “Five D’s” happen:

  1. Decade, at the start of each new decade of life.
  2. Death, after the loss of a loved one.
  3. Divorce, after a major family change.
  4. Diagnosis, after a serious health diagnosis.
  5. Decline, if your health significantly worsens.

You can change or cancel your directive at any time, as long as the new version meets the same requirements.

Where should I keep it?

Store the original somewhere safe and easy to find, not in a safe deposit box. Give copies to your agent, close family, and your doctor.

Get the Forms and Help

Health care directive packets are available at Glenwood, Starbuck, and Brooten Medical Centers, and Glacial Ridge Hospital. You can also download a form here:

Kelly Danter and Jamie Boelke at Glacial Ridge Hospital can answer questions or help you fill out the form. Call 320.634.4521.

“We believe that every individual has the right to make informed decisions about their medical care and know those choices will be respected,” says Jamie Boelke, RN and Discharge Planner at Glacial Ridge. “Planning ahead brings peace of mind and helps your loved ones feel confident in honoring your choices.”