Advance Directives
No one likes to think about getting sick or injured but life can be unpredictable. That is why it is important to consider your wishes regarding future medical care while you are healthy. Documents called Advance Directives can help accomplish that. By planning ahead, you can receive the medical care you want and relieve your family members of decision-making burdens during times of crisis.
Advance Directives are legal documents stating your choices about medical treatment or naming the people you want to make these decisions if you are unable to speak for yourself. The most common types in Nebraska are the Power of Attorney for Healthcare and the Rights of the Terminally Ill Declaration, more commonly referred to as the Living Will.
What is a Power of Attorney for Healthcare
In a Power of Attorney for Healthcare document, you name another person to act as your “representative." This person will make medical decisions for you if you become unable to make them for yourself. This person could be a family member or close friend. When choosing a representative, think about people who understand your views and values about medical care and who are able and willing to communicate your wishes to the medical team.
What is a Living Will?
In a Living Will document, you state the kinds of medical treatment you want or don’t want in the event you are terminally ill and unable to make your own decisions. It is called a “Living Will” because it takes effect while you are still living but unable to communicate your choices.
MLH also offers an Advance Care Planning document. Advance care planning is a service to help patients consider and prioritize their treatment goals. This form contains questions about end-of-life treatments and goals of care. It is meant to be shared with and signed by your medical provider after a discussion regarding your treatment wishes.
Advance Directives booklet
Mary Lanning offers free Advance Directive booklets to help you with this planning process. You may also download these forms by clicking on the link below.
If you have questions or need help with this process, please call the ML Social Service department at 402-461-5198.
Once you have completed these forms, you can provide copies to your family members, healthcare providers and to Mary Lanning Healthcare Health Information for your medical chart.
Thank you for your interest in MLH and Advance Directives. By doing some advance care planning, you can give yourself peace of mind that your wishes regarding medical care will be carried out even if you cannot speak for yourself.
Advance Directive Booklet (Updated January 2026)
If you would like help with this process, please call the MLH Social Services office at:
402-461-5198
Once you have filled out these forms, you can provide copies to your family members, healthcare providers and/or MLH.
Thank you for your interest in MLH and Advance Directives. We hope this information provides you with peace of mind in case of a future healthcare crisis.
