Indiana Advance Directives: A Guide to End-of-Life Care Planning

Thinking about end-of-life care is one of the most profound and challenging conversations a family can have. In these moments of uncertainty, clarity is a gift. For residents of Indiana, preparing advance directives provides that clarity, ensuring your healthcare wishes are understood and respected if you are ever unable to speak for yourself. These are not just legal forms; they are a way to document your values and protect your loved ones from making difficult decisions alone during an emotional time.

Advance directives are legal instructions that outline your healthcare preferences and designate a person to act on your behalf. Taking the time to create these documents is an act of love—an essential step in ensuring your journey is guided by your own choices, preserving dignity and providing peace of mind for everyone involved.

This guide will walk you through what an Indiana advance directive covers, including your treatment wishes and naming a health care representative, along with the Indiana POST form, so you can make informed decisions for your future.

Indiana updated its advance directive law in 2021. The new law lets one advance directive state your health care wishes and name a health care representative. Living wills and representative appointments that were legally signed before January 1, 2023 are still valid. Because the rules changed, check that any form you use follows current Indiana law.

Stating Your Treatment Wishes

Your advance directive lets you state your preferences regarding life-prolonging medical procedures. Older Indiana forms called this a Living Will Declaration. If you’re creating a new directive, use a form that follows Indiana’s 2021 law. Older living wills and appointments signed before January 1, 2023 remain valid. Under Indiana law, this written directive is your voice, communicating your wishes if you are diagnosed with a terminal condition and are unable to communicate them yourself. It specifically addresses treatments like ventilators, artificial nutrition, and hydration.

These instructions only take effect under specific medical circumstances, as certified by your physician. It is not about refusing all medical care but about defining the type of care you wish to receive—or decline—at the end of life. Writing down these wishes helps ensure that your personal values regarding comfort, dignity, and quality of life are honored.

Naming a Health Care Representative

While your treatment wishes outline what you want, naming a health care representative in your advance directive determines who will speak for you. This person, also known as a healthcare power of attorney or proxy, is legally empowered to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This role is crucial, as they can interpret your wishes in situations not explicitly covered by your written wishes.

Choosing a health care representative is a deeply personal decision. It should be someone you trust implicitly to understand your values and advocate for them, even under pressure. This individual will have the authority to access your medical records, consent to or refuse treatment, and make decisions about where you receive care. Open and honest conversations with your chosen representative are vital to ensure they are prepared to honor your choices.

The Indiana POST (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment) Form

For individuals with a serious or advanced illness, the Indiana POST form serves a different and more immediate purpose than a Living Will. A POST is not just a legal document; it is an actionable set of medical orders signed by your physician, advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant. It translates your end-of-life wishes into clear, concise instructions for healthcare professionals, including emergency responders (EMTs).

The POST form covers specific interventions such as:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Medical interventions (e.g., comfort measures only, limited interventions, or full treatment)
• Artificially administered nutrition

Because it is a medical order, it remains with you across all care settings, from home to the hospital or a long-term care facility. It ensures that your treatment preferences are respected consistently by every member of your care team.

Clarifying DNR (Do-Not-Resuscitate) Orders

A Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order is a very specific directive that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if your heart or breathing stops. In Indiana, a DNR can be a standalone order or part of a POST form. It is important to understand that a DNR does not mean “do not treat.” It only applies to CPR, and you will continue to receive all other medical care, including medications and comfort measures, to align with your goals of care.

How to Properly Execute and Share Your Directives

Creating advance directives is a multi-step process that ensures their validity and effectiveness.

1. Complete the Forms: Use legally recognized forms. Many Indiana healthcare systems provide resources to help you understand the different documents available.
2. Sign and Witness: Under current Indiana law, an advance directive must be in writing and signed by you in front of two adult witnesses or a notary. At least one witness can’t be your spouse or another relative. Following these steps is essential for the document to be legally binding.
3. Discuss with Your Doctor: If you are considering a POST form, you must have a detailed conversation with your doctor about your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options.
4. Share Copies: A directive is only useful if people know it exists. Provide copies to your Healthcare Representative, your family, your primary care physician, and your local hospital. Keep the original in a safe but accessible place.

Where to Find Free Indiana Advance Directive Forms

You do not need to hire an attorney to create an advance directive. Many reputable organizations provide legally compliant forms for free to help you start the process. The Indiana Department of Health lists current sample forms in its Advance Directives Resource Center. The Indiana State Bar Association and the Indiana Department of Health are also excellent resources for information and forms.

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Navigating these decisions and legal documents can feel overwhelming, but you and your family do not have to do it alone. The compassionate team at Cairo Hospice is experienced in helping families understand these important choices and ensuring that patient wishes are clearly documented and honored. For guidance and support with advance care planning, please call our team at (614) 910-2662.

You can also download our Complete Guide to Hospice Care for comprehensive information about the services and support available to help honor your end-of-life wishes.

Key Takeaways

• Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to specify your end-of-life medical care preferences and appoint someone to make decisions for you.
• Under Indiana’s 2021 law, one advance directive can state your treatment wishes and name a health care representative. The POST form turns wishes into actionable medical orders. Living wills and appointments signed before January 1, 2023 remain valid.
• It is crucial to sign, witness, and share copies of your advance directives with your family, doctor, and healthcare representative to ensure your wishes are followed.