The Illinois Advance Directive is the newly trending document that fuses the “medical power of attorney” and “living will” documents into one written instrument. By doing this, individuals executing the instrument can establish their desires concerning medical treatment at the time of their incapacitation as well as appoint another party to make certain decisions for them if they are unable to. If someone decides that they would like to implement this form, they should read the document thoroughly, provide the requested details, and sign each section in conformity with the state’s law.

(To register to be an organ/tissue donor, visit the state’s registry website.)

This Document Contains:

Laws

Statutes – Advance Directive Information (20 ILCS 2310/2310-600)

Definition – The advance directive contained on this page is the combination of the following documents and their definitions:

Medical Power of Attorney – Appoints a “health care agent” which is an individual at least eighteen (18) years old designated by the principal to make health care decisions of any type, including, but not limited to, anatomical gift, autopsy, or disposition of remains for and on behalf of the individual (755 ILCS 45/4-4(e-5)).
Living Will – Referred to as a “declaration” which is a witnessed document in writing, in a hard copy or electronic format, voluntarily executed by the declarant in accordance with the requirements of Section 3 (755 ILCS 35/2(b)).

Signing Requirements – The medical power of attorney section of the form requires the signature of at least one (1) qualified witness (755 ILCS 45/4-5.1(a)), whereas the living will portion necessitates the signatures of two (2) eligible witnesses (755 ILCS 35/3(b)).