Can I change or revoke my health-care directive?

A capable adult can usually change or revoke an advance directive using a method allowed by state law. The new instructions must reach the people and providers relying on the old version.

General information

• Destroying one copy may not update hospital records.
• A verbal revocation may work in some settings, but written records can help show that providers received the change.
• Conflicting copies can create confusion.

Service steps to consider

1. Considering preparation of and sign the new version correctly.
2. Considering whether to tell the agent, family, and providers.
3. Remove or mark old copies as revoked.

Quick check

• Does my agent know my wishes?
• Does my doctor have a copy?
• Are old copies marked as old?

How Complete Wills can help

Complete Wills includes an advance health-care directive and HIPAA authorization in its will-based and trust-based packages. The questionnaire can record choices and names. Customer support can explain the process. Only a licensed attorney may provide legal advice, and a qualified health professional may provide medical guidance. Customer support can explain website features and questionnaire fields, but it cannot choose documents, people, distributions, or legal terms, interpret a completed document, or explain how the law applies to a person's facts. Only a separately engaged licensed attorney may provide legal advice within the attorney's engagement.

Important limits

• Health-care document names and signing rules vary by state.
• Call emergency services or a health expert for an immediate medical issue. An online document service is not emergency care. This article gives general information only. A licensed attorney can explain how state law applies to a specific estate plan or document.