Living Wills and Advance Directives in Utah

Effective January 1, 2026, Utah follows the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act. An adult may give health care instructions (the living-will part) in an advance health care directive. The statute includes an optional Advance Health Care Directive form that combines health care instructions with the appointment of an agent; use of the form is optional. A directive made before January 1, 2026 remains valid if it complies with the new chapter or complied with the law where and when it was made.

Utah calls it a power of attorney for health care. It must be in a record, signed by the individual, and signed by one adult witness who believes the act is voluntary and knowing and who is present (in person, by real-time audio-video, or in some cases by real-time audio). The witness may not be the agent, the agent's spouse or cohabitant, or, if the individual lives or receives care in a nursing home or assisted living facility, its owner, operator, employee or contractor. The optional statutory Advance Health Care Directive form can be used.