Guide to Advance Healthcare Directives and Living Wills in Coopertown, Tennessee
Advance healthcare directives and living wills set out a person’s medical treatment preferences and designate decision-makers in the event they cannot speak for themselves. For residents of Coopertown and Robertson County, having clear, legally valid documents helps families and medical providers follow a loved one’s wishes during serious illness or incapacity. This page explains the types of directives available, how they work under Tennessee law, and practical steps to prepare and update these documents. It also outlines how our firm approaches creating documents that are easy for providers to apply while reflecting individual values and religious or personal beliefs.
Planning ahead with an advance healthcare directive or living will reduces stress and ambiguity for family members faced with difficult medical decisions. These documents can describe preferences about life-sustaining treatment, pain management, and comfort care, and they can authorize a healthcare agent to act on a person’s behalf. In Coopertown and throughout Tennessee, properly executed directives avoid delays and disputes at a critical time. We emphasize clear language and proper execution to ensure your instructions are followed and to preserve dignity and control over medical care when you no longer can make decisions yourself.
Why Advance Healthcare Directives and Living Wills Matter in Coopertown
Advance healthcare directives and living wills matter because they provide guidance when medical decisions must be made for someone who cannot communicate. These documents protect personal values and medical preferences while easing the decision-making burden on family members. They help prevent disagreements among loved ones and reduce the need for court involvement. For Coopertown residents, having these directives in place also assists local healthcare providers in delivering treatment that aligns with the patient’s wishes, providing clarity during emergencies and long-term care planning. Thoughtful drafting of these documents helps preserve peace of mind and ensures respect for individual choices.
About Our Firm and Our Approach to Healthcare Planning
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves Coopertown and Robertson County with focused attention on estate planning and probate matters including advance healthcare directives and living wills. Our approach centers on listening carefully to each client’s goals, family dynamics, and personal values to craft documents that are practical and clear. We guide clients through Tennessee legal requirements and suggest language that reduces ambiguity while honoring individual preferences. The firm assists with execution, storage recommendations, and communication strategies so family members and medical providers know where to find and how to use these important documents when needed.
Understanding Advance Healthcare Directives and Living Wills
Advance healthcare directives and living wills serve related but distinct purposes. A living will typically records a person’s preferences about life-sustaining treatments and end-of-life care, while a healthcare power of attorney or healthcare directive appoints an agent to make decisions when the person lacks capacity. Both documents can work together to provide comprehensive guidance. Under Tennessee law, formal execution rules apply and witnesses or notarization may be required for certain forms. Understanding how these documents interact helps individuals create a plan that is both legally valid and aligned with their healthcare values.
Creating effective directives requires careful consideration of medical choices, who should serve as an agent, and how broadly decision-making authority should extend. People often think about scenarios like dementia, sudden accidents, or prolonged incapacitation, and choose language that reflects their wishes in those situations. We discuss options for specifying preferences about resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, and palliative care, and explain the practical effects of different choices. Clear communication with family and the appointed agent reduces confusion and improves the likelihood that your care preferences will be followed.
Defining Living Wills and Healthcare Directives
A living will is a written statement describing the types of medical treatment a person does or does not want if they are terminally ill or permanently unconscious. An advance healthcare directive often includes appointment of a healthcare agent and may combine treatment preferences with decision-making authority. Together, these documents provide both instructions and a trusted person to make choices consistent with those instructions. They become particularly important when a patient lacks the capacity to make informed decisions, enabling medical teams to act in accordance with the patient’s expressed wishes without unnecessary delay or legal complications.
Key Elements and Steps in Creating Directives
Important elements of advance healthcare documents include clear statements of treatment preferences, designation of a healthcare agent, instructions about organ donation or pain control, and the circumstances under which directives take effect. The process typically involves discussing values and medical options, drafting specific language, and ensuring the documents are signed and witnessed according to Tennessee requirements. We review the drafted forms with clients to confirm that the terms reflect their wishes and advise on how to distribute copies to family, doctors, and local hospitals so the directives are accessible when needed.
Key Terms and Glossary for Healthcare Planning
Understanding terminology helps when preparing advance directives. Terms like capacity, healthcare agent, living will, durable power of attorney for healthcare, and do-not-resuscitate each have specific meanings and legal effects. This glossary explains common phrases used in medical and legal settings so you can make informed decisions and communicate clearly with your appointed agent and healthcare providers. We recommend reviewing these terms with your family so everyone shares the same understanding of the plan and can carry out your wishes smoothly when the time comes.
Capacity
Capacity refers to a person’s ability to understand the nature and consequences of health care decisions and to communicate those decisions. Determinations about capacity are usually made by treating physicians, and capacity can vary depending on the complexity of the decision. If a person lacks capacity, a previously appointed healthcare agent or a court-appointed guardian may make medical decisions on their behalf. Drafting advance directives helps ensure that a person’s preferences guide decisions when capacity is diminished, providing direction to healthcare providers and loved ones.
Living Will
A living will is a document that records a person’s preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments if they are terminally ill or permanently unconscious. It typically addresses interventions such as resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition and hydration, and palliative measures. The living will becomes an essential reference for medical teams and relatives when the patient cannot express their wishes. Clear, specific language in a living will reduces uncertainty and helps ensure that medical care aligns with the patient’s values and goals for comfort and dignity.
Healthcare Agent
A healthcare agent is the person designated in an advance directive to make medical decisions on behalf of someone who cannot act for themselves. The agent should understand the appointed person’s values and be willing to carry out their wishes, even when decisions are difficult. Agents may need to communicate with doctors, review treatment options, and consent to or refuse certain procedures. Choosing an agent involves considering reliability, availability, and the ability to manage family dynamics and medical conversations under stress.
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
A durable power of attorney for healthcare is a legal document that authorizes another person to make medical decisions if the individual becomes incapacitated. Unlike a living will, which outlines specific treatment preferences, this document empowers a named agent to interpret those preferences and make real-time choices. It remains effective even if the person becomes mentally or physically unable to act. Combining this document with a living will gives both directional guidance and a decision-maker to carry out the person’s intentions in varied medical situations.
Comparing Your Legal Options for Healthcare Planning
When planning for future medical decisions, individuals can choose from several legal tools including a living will, a healthcare power of attorney, and combined advance directives. A living will focuses on treatment preferences, while a healthcare power of attorney appoints someone to make decisions. Combined forms can offer both instructions and decision-making authority. The right option depends on personal preferences, family dynamics, and the level of flexibility desired. We explain the pros and cons of each approach and recommend solutions that provide clarity while accommodating changes in health or personal circumstances.
When a Simple Directive May Be Enough:
Clear End-of-Life Preferences Only
A limited approach such as a standalone living will can be appropriate when a person has strong, specific preferences about end-of-life interventions and little need for an appointed decision-maker. For example, someone who clearly rejects mechanical life support or artificial nutrition may choose a concise directive to communicate those wishes. This option works well when family relationships are straightforward and trusted healthcare providers are willing to follow written instructions. It simplifies planning while still ensuring that key preferences are formally documented and readily available to medical staff.
Low Likelihood of Complex Decisions
A limited directive is suitable when future medical scenarios are unlikely to require nuanced judgment or ongoing decision-making by a proxy. If a person’s wishes are narrowly focused and they do not foresee situations involving prolonged incapacity, a living will alone can convey core instructions. This approach reduces paperwork and keeps the directives straightforward. We help clients assess whether a limited form matches their needs and explain potential drawbacks, such as reduced flexibility if medical circumstances arise that were not anticipated in the original document.
When a More Comprehensive Plan Is Advisable:
Complex Family or Medical Situations
A comprehensive approach is often recommended for individuals with complicated family dynamics, blended families, or unclear caregiving arrangements. Appointing a healthcare agent along with detailed instructions covers both who will make decisions and what decisions should be made. This prevents misunderstandings and reduces the chances of disputes among family members. Comprehensive planning also addresses contingencies like temporary incapacity, chronic illness, and transitions to long-term care facilities, ensuring that decision-making authority is clear and consistent throughout changing circumstances.
Anticipation of Long-Term Care Needs
When individuals anticipate prolonged illness or conditions that may impair decision-making over time, a comprehensive plan provides needed flexibility. Combining a durable power of attorney for healthcare with a living will and supplemental instructions allows a designated agent to address unforeseen medical choices while respecting written preferences. This layered approach supports continuity of care and facilitates conversations with healthcare providers over the course of progressive conditions. It also helps families navigate transitions between hospitals, rehabilitation, and long-term care settings with consistent guidance.
Benefits of Choosing a Comprehensive Healthcare Planning Approach
A comprehensive approach to advance directives combines clear treatment preferences with an appointed decision-maker, producing many practical benefits. It reduces ambiguity about who should make decisions, better aligns care with personal values, and often speeds up medical decision-making when time matters. For families, it reduces conflict by identifying a designated agent and outlining the scope of their authority. For medical teams, it clarifies legal authority and treatment intent. Together, these effects increase the likelihood that care aligns with the individual’s wishes and reduces stress on loved ones.
Comprehensive planning also makes it simpler to update documents as health or family situations change. Documents can include instructions for interim decisions, preferences for comfort measures, and guidance on quality-of-life considerations. Regular reviews ensure the plan remains current and that the appointed agent is prepared to act. This adaptability is particularly valuable in communities like Coopertown where families may balance local medical resources and long-term care options. Properly maintained directives provide peace of mind and practical direction when medical crises occur.
Clear Decision-Making Authority
One major benefit of the comprehensive approach is establishing a clear decision-maker to act when the patient cannot. This designation reduces confusion among relatives and ensures someone familiar with the patient’s wishes speaks to medical providers. That person can make timely choices based on the patient’s stated preferences, family input, and medical advice, which can prevent delays in treatment or disagreements during urgent situations. Naming an agent also provides a single point of contact for hospitals and care facilities, simplifying communications and maintaining consistency.
Better Alignment with Personal Values
A comprehensive plan enables individuals to express nuanced preferences that reflect personal, cultural, or religious values about care and quality of life. Rather than leaving decisions vague, people can specify their priorities, such as emphasizing comfort, avoiding prolonged invasive treatments, or requesting aggressive interventions under certain circumstances. These instructions, combined with an appointed agent who understands the individual’s values, increase the likelihood that healthcare decisions will respect the patient’s wishes across a range of scenarios and help preserve dignity during serious illness.
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Practical Tips for Advance Healthcare Directives
Choose the right person to act on your behalf
Selecting an appropriate healthcare agent involves more than choosing the nearest family member. Consider someone who can remain calm during medical emergencies, communicate effectively with providers, and who respects your values and decisions. It helps to have a conversation with the chosen person about your preferences and the scenarios in which you expect them to make tough decisions. Also consider alternate agents in case the first choice is unavailable. Clear communication and written guidance can reduce stress for both the agent and your loved ones when acting on your behalf.
Be specific about treatment preferences
Keep documents accessible and review regularly
Make sure your advance directive and living will are easily accessible to family, appointed agents, and medical providers. Provide copies to your physician, hospital medical record, and close relatives. Store originals in a safe but known location and consider digital copies or registration options available in Tennessee. Regularly review and update documents after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, or serious illness. Periodic review ensures the instructions remain current and that the appointed agent is still willing and able to serve when the need arises.
Reasons to Consider Advance Healthcare Directives and Living Wills
People often create advance directives and living wills to maintain control over medical treatment and to relieve family members of the burden of guessing about preferences during emergencies. These documents protect individual autonomy, making it clear what types of interventions are acceptable. Planning ahead can also reduce family disputes and minimize delays in medical decision-making. For residents of Coopertown, having these documents aligned with Tennessee legal requirements ensures that medical teams and facilities can implement the patient’s wishes without unnecessary legal obstacles or confusion.
Consider creating these documents after life events like a diagnosis of a serious illness, the birth of a child, retirement, or changes in family structure. Advance planning may also be appropriate for those wanting to ensure specific religious or cultural preferences are honored in medical settings. It is helpful to engage in conversations with family and the appointed agent so everyone understands expected roles and the location of the documents. Thoughtful planning supports better medical care and helps preserve dignity in difficult circumstances.
Common Situations Where Directives Are Helpful
Directives are often needed in circumstances such as sudden accidents, progressive neurological conditions like dementia, serious strokes, or terminal illnesses. They are also useful before major surgeries or when entering long-term care facilities. Advance documents guide decision-making when capacity is compromised and enable families and medical teams to follow the patient’s preferred course of action. Preparing directives in advance avoids rushed decisions during crises and ensures that care reflects the patient’s values and wishes over time.
Progressive Illness or Dementia
Progressive conditions that gradually impair decision-making, such as dementia, make it essential to document treatment preferences and designate a decision-maker early. Doing so while capacity remains intact ensures that your voice guides future medical care. These documents can instruct the appointed agent and medical teams about acceptable interventions, goals of care, and priorities for comfort and quality of life. Early planning also relieves family members from having to guess at wishes during emotionally charged moments and supports continuity of care as conditions evolve.
Sudden Accidents or Emergencies
Unexpected accidents can render a person unable to communicate their medical choices, making an advance directive invaluable. Having formal directives in place helps emergency responders and hospital staff follow pre-established instructions and quickly identify the person authorized to make decisions. This preparedness reduces delays in treatment and provides direction during chaotic and stressful situations. For those who travel, work in risky environments, or lead active lifestyles, taking this step ensures medical care aligns with personal preferences even in unforeseen circumstances.
Major Surgery or Hospitalization
Undergoing major surgery or planned hospitalization is a practical time to prepare or review advance directives. Surgeries may carry risks that temporarily affect decision-making capacity, and having documents in place prevents confusion about preferences for life-sustaining treatment or pain management. Hospital records are an appropriate place to store copies so medical staff have immediate access. Reviewing directives before a procedure also gives individuals a chance to update preferences in light of new medical advice or evolving personal priorities.
Local Attorney for Healthcare Directives in Coopertown
Jay Johnson Law Firm is available to assist Coopertown residents with drafting and updating advance healthcare directives and living wills. We help clients understand Tennessee requirements, choose appropriate language, select and document a healthcare agent, and ensure proper execution and distribution. Our role includes preparing clear documents, advising on storage and notification strategies, and explaining how directives interface with hospital and long-term care procedures. We strive to make the planning process straightforward and respectful of each client’s personal values and medical wishes.
Why Clients Choose Our Firm for Healthcare Planning
Clients work with our firm because we provide practical guidance tailored to local needs and Tennessee law. We prioritize listening to personal goals and family dynamics so that documents are meaningful and actionable. Our team assists with drafting clear directives, advising on agent selection, and helping clients communicate their wishes to family members and healthcare providers. We also explain the legal formalities required for enforceability, reducing the risk of technical defects that could hinder implementation when it matters most.
We help clients balance specificity and flexibility in their directives so the documents provide reliable direction without being overly restrictive. Our approach includes reviewing draft language with clients, offering practical scenarios to test the clarity of instructions, and recommending best practices for storage and accessibility. Clients appreciate receiving straightforward explanations of how Tennessee law applies to advance healthcare planning and what steps to take to keep documents current as life circumstances evolve.
Beyond document preparation, we support families through conversations about values and decision-making roles. We encourage clients to involve their chosen agents and loved ones in discussions to reduce surprises and ensure mutual understanding. When needed, we also assist with updating documents after major life events or changes in health, and provide guidance on integrating directives into medical records to promote immediate access during emergencies and hospital admissions.
Contact Jay Johnson Law Firm to Start Your Healthcare Planning
How We Handle Advance Directive Matters
Our process begins with a detailed consultation to learn about your healthcare goals, family situation, and any particular medical or religious considerations. We then draft tailored documents that reflect your preferences and comply with Tennessee execution rules. After reviewing drafts with you and making any adjustments, we arrange for proper signing and witnessing. Finally, we provide guidance on distributing copies, registering documents where appropriate, and steps to ensure healthcare providers have access to the directives when needed.
Initial Consultation and Goals Review
The first step involves an in-depth conversation to identify your medical values, treatment priorities, and who you trust to make decisions on your behalf. We ask about faith-based preferences, views on life-sustaining treatments, and potential scenarios you fear or want to prepare for. Gathering this information allows us to craft clear, personalized language that communicates your wishes effectively. It also helps us advise on whether a simple directive or a more comprehensive set of documents will best serve your needs.
Discussing Personal Values and Medical Preferences
During this discussion we explore your views on pain management, life-sustaining interventions, and acceptable outcomes of medical treatments. We also consider cultural or spiritual perspectives that may influence decisions. These conversations are confidential and guided to help you reflect on possible future situations. The goal is to identify the language that will best express your priorities so the resulting documents provide clear direction to both your appointed agent and medical providers.
Choosing an Appropriate Agent and Alternates
We help you evaluate potential agents based on availability, temperament, and willingness to act under pressure. It is also important to name alternate agents in case the primary designee is unavailable or unable to serve. We advise on how to communicate responsibilities to the chosen agent and suggest practical matters to discuss, such as the location of documents and preferred medical facilities. This planning reduces the risk of disputes and ensures the agent is prepared to represent your wishes faithfully.
Drafting and Reviewing Documents
After the consultation, we draft the appropriate forms tailored to your decisions and Tennessee statutory requirements. This stage includes precise language about treatment preferences and agent powers, ensuring the documents are clear and enforceable. We then review the drafts with you, explain implications of specific choices, and adjust wording as needed. The review process aims to minimize ambiguity and to prepare documents that medical providers can readily interpret and apply in emergencies.
Customizing Language for Clarity and Purpose
We focus on crafting language that communicates your intentions in a directly understandable way, avoiding vague terms that might lead to differing interpretations. Clarity in describing interventions, goals of care, and the extent of an agent’s authority helps ensure medical teams implement your plan effectively. We present sample scenarios to test whether the language will produce the desired outcomes across typical clinical situations, and make revisions to reduce the chance of conflicting interpretations by family members or providers.
Explaining Legal Formalities and Execution Requirements
We explain the formal requirements in Tennessee for signing and witnessing advance directives, and whether notarization is recommended for your situation. Proper execution helps prevent disputes about validity and ensures hospitals and care facilities accept the documents. We coordinate signing sessions with the necessary witnesses and provide instructions for how to keep the documents accessible. This attention to formalities helps ensure your directives will be recognized and followed when needed.
Execution, Distribution, and Ongoing Review
After signing, we provide guidance on storing original documents and distributing copies to your healthcare agent, family members, and primary care physician. We discuss options for making directives part of the medical record or registry services that promote accessibility in emergencies. We also recommend periodic reviews, especially after major life events or health changes, to confirm that the documents still reflect your wishes and the chosen agent remains willing and able to serve.
Providing Copies to Medical Providers and Family
We advise how to deliver copies to your doctor and local hospitals so the directives are available during admissions and emergencies. Informing family members and the appointed agent about the document’s location reduces delays when decisions arise. Where appropriate, we also provide wallet cards or electronic copies that summarize key information and direct providers to the full document. Effective distribution helps ensure your wishes are recognized quickly by healthcare personnel.
Periodic Updates and Confirming Agent Willingness
We recommend reviewing your directives every few years or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, or significant changes in health. During reviews we confirm whether the appointed agent remains the best choice and whether treatment preferences still reflect current values. If updates are needed, we assist with revisions and re-execution as necessary. Keeping directives up to date ensures they remain a reliable guide for medical decision-making over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Healthcare Directives
What is the difference between a living will and a healthcare power of attorney?
A living will records your preferences about specific medical treatments you would or would not want if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious, focusing primarily on end-of-life care decisions. A healthcare power of attorney appoints a person to make medical decisions on your behalf when you lack capacity and can cover a broader range of situations. Together, these documents can work in tandem: the living will provides instructions and the appointed agent interprets and applies those instructions as needed.Choosing between or combining these tools depends on your desire for direct control versus flexibility. A living will is useful when you have firm preferences on particular interventions, while a healthcare power of attorney allows a trusted person to respond to unforeseen circumstances. We advise clients on how to draft both types of documents so they complement each other and provide reliable guidance to medical teams and family members.
When should I create or update my advance healthcare directive?
It is wise to create an advance healthcare directive as soon as you want to ensure your medical preferences are known and will be followed if you cannot communicate them. Many people prepare directives after major life events like marriage, the birth of a child, a new diagnosis, or upon retirement. Even healthy adults benefit from having these documents in place because accidents and sudden illnesses can happen without warning.You should update your directive whenever your health, relationships, or values change significantly. Updates may be needed after a diagnosis, a change in family circumstances, or if the person named as agent can no longer serve. Periodic review every few years helps ensure the documents remain current and that the appointed agent understands and accepts their responsibilities.
Who can I appoint as my healthcare agent in Tennessee?
In Tennessee you can appoint any competent adult you trust to serve as your healthcare agent, provided they are willing to act and available when needed. The chosen person should understand your values, be able to communicate with medical staff, and be prepared to make difficult decisions under pressure. It is practical to name alternate agents in case the primary designee is unavailable or unable to serve.When selecting an agent, consider potential family dynamics and the agent’s ability to carry out your wishes even if those wishes differ from the preferences of other relatives. Discuss the role with the chosen person beforehand so they understand the responsibilities and know where to find your advance directive and other important medical information.
Do advance directives need to be notarized in Tennessee?
Tennessee law has specific requirements for executing advance directives and the preferred formalities may vary by document type. Some forms are accepted with signatures and witnesses while others may recommend notarization to reduce questions about authenticity. Properly following execution rules helps ensure hospitals and providers accept the directives without delay.We review the appropriate signing procedures for your documents and arrange for witnesses or notarization when needed. Ensuring correct execution reduces the risk of disputes and makes it more likely that your directives will be honored by healthcare facilities and medical personnel when they are required.
How do I make sure my medical providers will follow my living will?
To increase the likelihood that medical providers will follow your living will, provide copies to your primary care physician and specialists, and ask that the document be placed in your medical record. You should also give copies to your appointed agent and close family members. Clear language in the living will itself reduces ambiguity and helps clinicians interpret your preferences appropriately.Additionally, carry a summary card or store an electronic copy accessible to healthcare personnel in emergencies. Inform local hospitals or long-term care facilities where you prefer to receive care about the existence of the directive. These measures ensure busy medical teams can quickly find and apply your documented wishes during critical moments.
Can I limit the authority of my appointed agent?
Yes, you can limit the authority granted to your appointed agent by specifying particular kinds of decisions they are allowed or not allowed to make. For instance, you might authorize the agent to make routine treatment decisions but reserve decisions about life-sustaining treatments to the terms stated in your living will. Clear, precise restrictions in the document help agents and providers understand the intended scope of authority.However, overly restrictive language can create uncertainty in unanticipated situations. We help clients draft balanced provisions that provide necessary limits while maintaining enough flexibility for the agent to act effectively in evolving medical circumstances, ensuring decisions remain consistent with the person’s values and goals.
What happens if family members disagree with my directives?
If family members disagree with a living will or the appointed agent’s decisions, having well-drafted, clearly executed documents usually resolves disputes by providing authoritative guidance. Courts generally give weight to properly executed advance directives and to the decisions of the appointed agent acting within the scope of authority. Open communication with family members about your wishes before a crisis occurs can prevent many disagreements.If disagreements escalate, legal intervention may be necessary to interpret unclear language or address concerns about an agent’s actions. Proper drafting and distribution of directives, along with guidance on the agent’s responsibilities, reduce the likelihood of conflict requiring court involvement and help maintain focus on implementing the patient’s expressed preferences.
How often should I review my advance directive documents?
Review your advance directive documents every few years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, diagnosis of a serious illness, or significant changes in relationships. These events may alter your preferences or the suitability of the appointed agent. Regular review ensures that the documented instructions still reflect current values and circumstances.During reviews, confirm that the named agent is still willing and able to serve and that medical preferences remain the same. If updates are needed, we assist with revising and re-executing the documents to ensure they retain legal effect and remain practical for use in medical settings.
Can I change or revoke my living will or healthcare directive?
You can change or revoke a living will or healthcare directive at any time while you have decision-making capacity. Revocation can be accomplished by creating a new document that supersedes the old one or by executing a formal revocation signed in accordance with Tennessee law. Inform your agent, family members, and healthcare providers of any changes so everyone knows which document is current.It is important to retrieve and destroy previous copies if possible, and to replace documents in medical records or registries with the updated versions. We help clients execute new directives and advise on notifying relevant parties to prevent confusion about which document is operative.
Where should I store my advance directive once it is signed?
Store the original signed advance directive in a safe but accessible place, and provide copies to your appointed agent, primary care physician, and close family members. Ask your doctor to place a copy in your medical record so hospitals and emergency personnel can access it when needed. Some people also keep a concise wallet card indicating the existence and location of their directive to aid first responders.Consider registering the document with any Tennessee registries or electronic medical record services that your healthcare providers use, if available. We explain practical storage options and help ensure copies reach the appropriate people and facilities so your wishes can be implemented promptly.