D.I.Y.

RESOURCES

Advance Medical Directive
Also known as a "Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates Form," this form is designed to help you communicate your wishes about medical treatment at some time in the future when you are unable to make your wishes known because of illness or injury.  Click here for the form from Texas Health & Human Services.
Medical Power of Attorney
Except to the extent you state otherwise, this document gives the person you name as your agent the authority to make any and all health care decisions for you in accordance with your wishes, including your religious and moral beliefs, when you are no longer capable of making them yourself.  Click here for the form from Texas Health & Human Services
HIPAA Medical Release

Without explicit legal permission, no one can access your protected health information ("PHI"). This applies to a patient’s parents, children, spouse, friends, coworkers, employers, etc. HIPAA release forms allow patients to authorize their health provider to disclose information to a third-party of their choosing.  Click here for the form from the Texas Attorney General's Office.

Durable Power of Attorney
This form is for designating an agent who is empowered to take certain actions regarding your property. It does not authorize anyone to make medical and other healthcare decisions for you.  Click here for the form from Texas Health & Human Services.
Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate ("DNR")
This form instructs emergency medical personnel and other health care professionals to forgo resuscitation attempts and to permit the patient to have a natural death with peace and dignity. This order does NOT affect the provision of other emergency care including comfort care.  Click here for the form from Texas Health & Human Services.
Appointment for Disposition of Remains
The Appointment form allows you to pick your own agent, e.g., a single sibling or a parent, even if your spouse would otherwise have priority. You may also name someone outside the family altogether, e.g., a friend or companion. Successor agents may be named in case anyone is unable or unwilling to serve.  Click here for the form from Texas Funeral Service Commission.