How to Create a Living Will in Maryland
Creating a living will is an essential step in ensuring that your healthcare wishes are respected in the event that you become incapacitated. In Maryland, a living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, allows you to specify the types of medical treatments you do or do not want to receive. This article will guide you through the process of creating a living will in Maryland, ensuring that your healthcare preferences are clearly documented and honored.
Understanding the Purpose of a Living Will
A living will is a legal document that outlines your healthcare preferences in case you are unable to communicate them. It can include instructions regarding life-sustaining treatments such as artificial feeding, hydration, and mechanical ventilation. By creating a living will, you empower someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf, ensuring that your values and wishes are respected.
Steps to Create a Living Will in Maryland
1. Research the Requirements: Before drafting your living will, it’s important to understand the legal requirements in Maryland. According to Maryland law, a living will must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two individuals who are not your healthcare providers or beneficiaries.
2. Choose Your Executor: Identify someone you trust to act as your executor. This person will be responsible for making sure your living will is followed and will communicate with your healthcare providers.
3. Draft Your Living Will: You can draft your living will using a template or by consulting with an attorney. Include specific instructions about the medical treatments you want or do not want to receive, such as:
– Artificial feeding and hydration
– Resuscitation measures
– Pain management
– Organ donation
4. Review and Revise: Once you have drafted your living will, review it carefully to ensure that it accurately reflects your wishes. Make any necessary revisions.
5. Sign and Witness: Sign your living will in the presence of two witnesses who are not healthcare providers or beneficiaries. The witnesses must also sign the document.
6. Notarize: While notarization is not required in Maryland, it can add an extra layer of protection to your living will. If you choose to notarize, you must do so in the presence of a notary public.
7. Distribute Copies: Provide copies of your living will to your executor, healthcare providers, and close family members. Keep the original in a safe place where it can be easily accessed when needed.
Conclusion
Creating a living will in Maryland is a responsible and empowering step that ensures your healthcare preferences are respected. By following these steps, you can rest assured that your wishes will be honored in the event that you are unable to communicate them. Remember to review and update your living will periodically to reflect any changes in your preferences or circumstances.
