A Missouri advance directive is a medical document that allows an individual to define their preferred end-of-life treatment options and appoint an agent to oversee their health care should they become incapacitated. In the health care directive section (a.k.a., “declaration”), the patient can decide to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatments in circumstances where they are persistently unconscious and not expected to recover. A complete advance directive will give clear instructions to health care professionals as to the agent responsible for overseeing the patient’s health care, the powers that the agent has, and the patient’s wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment while in critical care.

Agent’s Duties – § 404.714

Laws – §§ 404.800 – 404.872 (Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Act) and §§ 459.010 – 459.055 (Declarations and Life Support)

Signing Requirements (§ 404.705(1)(3) & § 459.015) – Two (2) Witnesses (Declaration); Notary Public (Power of Attorney)

Statutory Form – § 459.015 (Declaration only)

State Definition

Statute – § 194.290(1)(1)

“Advance health-care directive”, a power of attorney for health care or a record signed or authorized by a prospective donor, containing the prospective donor’s direction concerning a health-care decision for the prospective donor;