Living Wills and Advance Directives in Michigan
How to make a valid living will (advance directive) and medical power of attorney in Michigan, with the official form.
Short answer: Michigan's advance directive law is built around the patient advocate designation (MCL 700.5506 to 700.5515) rather than a separate statutory living will form. MCL 700.5506
| Living will / advance directive | Michigan's advance directive law is built around the patient advocate designation (MCL 700.5506 to 700.5515) rather than a separate statutory living will form. Written wishes about care and treatment, including life-sustaining treatment, are usually included in the patient advocate designation, which must be in writing, signed, dated, executed voluntarily and witnessed by two qualified witnesses, and must be made part of the medical record before it is used. Source: MCL 700.5506 |
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| Medical power of attorney | Michigan calls it a 'patient advocate designation.' A person 18 or older of sound mind may name another adult (the patient advocate) to make care, custody and medical or mental health treatment decisions, and may also authorize anatomical gifts. It must be in writing, signed, dated, executed voluntarily, and include a statement that the authority applies only when the patient cannot participate in treatment decisions. It must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, who may not be the patient's spouse, parent, child, grandchild, sibling, presumptive heir, known devisee, physician or patient advocate, or an employee of the patient's life or health insurer, treating health facility, home for the aged or mental health provider. The patient advocate must sign an acceptance before acting (MCL 700.5507). Source: MCL 700.5506 |
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FAQ
How do I make a living will in Michigan?
Michigan's advance directive law is built around the patient advocate designation (MCL 700.5506 to 700.5515) rather than a separate statutory living will form. Written wishes about care and treatment, including life-sustaining treatment, are usually included in the patient advocate designation, which must be in writing, signed, dated, executed voluntarily and witnessed by two qualified witnesses, and must be made part of the medical record before it is used.
How do I make a medical power of attorney in Michigan?
Michigan calls it a 'patient advocate designation.' A person 18 or older of sound mind may name another adult (the patient advocate) to make care, custody and medical or mental health treatment decisions, and may also authorize anatomical gifts. It must be in writing, signed, dated, executed voluntarily, and include a statement that the authority applies only when the patient cannot participate in treatment decisions. It must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, who may not be the patient's spouse, parent, child, grandchild, sibling, presumptive heir, known devisee, physician or patient advocate, or an employee of the patient's life or health insurer, treating health facility, home for the aged or mental health provider.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.