A Practical Guide to Healthcare Power of Attorney in Blountville
A healthcare power of attorney is a legal document that lets you name someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to speak for yourself. Creating this document helps ensure medical providers and caregivers have clear direction about who you trust to act for you, what kinds of decisions that person can make, and when their authority begins. For residents of Blountville and nearby communities in Tennessee, a properly prepared healthcare power of attorney can prevent delays, reduce family uncertainty, and provide peace of mind about future medical decision-making.
Planning ahead with a healthcare power of attorney also gives you the opportunity to communicate your values and treatment preferences to the person you appoint. That conversation can make it easier for them to honor your wishes under stress. The document is flexible and can be tailored so that authority begins only under certain conditions or for specific types of care. Taking the time to craft a clear, legally valid designation now often reduces disputes, avoids confusion during emergencies, and preserves your voice through trusted representation when you cannot speak for yourself.
Why a Healthcare Power of Attorney Matters for You and Your Family
A healthcare power of attorney matters because it names a trusted person to make health care decisions in situations where you are incapacitated or otherwise unable to communicate. Without a designated decision maker, medical providers may require a court appointment or rely on family consensus, both of which can be slow and stressful. A clear designation minimizes delay, ensures decisions reflect your preferences, and can reduce conflict among relatives. This document also supports continuity of care by providing hospitals and clinics with immediate authorization to follow the instructions of the individual you appoint, streamlining treatment in critical moments.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Client-Focused Approach
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves families across Hendersonville, Blountville, and the surrounding Tennessee communities with practical estate planning and probate services. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, careful document drafting, and guidance tailored to each client’s circumstances. We focus on listening to your goals, explaining options in straightforward terms, and preparing documents that reflect your preferences and comply with Tennessee law. If you prefer, we can assist with conversations among family members and ensure that your healthcare power of attorney integrates with other estate planning documents for a cohesive plan.
Understanding the Healthcare Power of Attorney Document
A healthcare power of attorney assigns decision-making authority for medical care to a person you select, often called an agent. The document should describe the scope of that authority, whether it begins immediately or only upon your incapacity, and any limits you wish to impose. It can address a range of decisions from routine treatment to more sensitive end-of-life choices, depending on what you specify. Creating a thoughtful designation involves selecting someone who will respect your values and who is willing to act when necessary, and then documenting those preferences clearly and legally.
Under Tennessee law, a healthcare power of attorney must meet certain formal requirements to be accepted by medical providers and enforceable in court if challenged. Proper execution typically involves signatures and sometimes witnesses or notarization depending on the document’s provisions. Reviewing the document periodically is important as family circumstances, health status, and laws can change. When paired with advance directives and a living will, a healthcare power of attorney creates a complete record of your treatment preferences and proxy decision-making authority so medical teams and loved ones know how to proceed.
What a Healthcare Power of Attorney Is and How It Works
A healthcare power of attorney is a written authorization that empowers the person you choose to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you cannot. This authority can be broad or limited based on language you include, and you may specify whether decisions apply immediately or only under certain conditions. The document is intended to be followed by physicians and hospitals, and is a practical tool to ensure your preferences guide medical decisions. It complements other advance planning documents and serves as a legal pathway for trusted decision makers to act on your healthcare wishes.
Key Elements and the Typical Steps to Create One
Key elements include the designation of the agent, defined scope of decision-making authority, activation criteria for the agent’s authority, and any specific instructions regarding treatments you do or do not want. The process often begins with an initial consultation to clarify values and select an appropriate agent. Next, the document is drafted to reflect your choices and reviewed with you for clarity. Finally, the document is executed in accordance with Tennessee formalities and copies are provided to the agent, family members, and medical providers to ensure it is available when needed.
Key Terms to Know About Healthcare Powers of Attorney
Understanding the common terms associated with healthcare powers of attorney helps you make informed choices. Familiarity with the language used in the document prevents misunderstandings and ensures your designation will work as intended. Below are concise definitions of frequently encountered terms, each explained in plain language so you can reference them when discussing your plan or making decisions with your chosen agent. Knowing these terms also helps when you review or update your documents over time.
Agent (Person Authorized to Decide)
An agent is the person you name to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. The agent’s role is to interpret your wishes and apply them to medical situations when you cannot communicate or make decisions. Choosing an agent involves considering trustworthiness, their willingness to act, and their proximity or availability during emergencies. You may name alternate agents in case the primary agent is unavailable. It is important to discuss your preferences with the person you choose so they are prepared to act consistently with your values and the language of the document.
Advance Directive Versus Power of Attorney
An advance directive is a broader term that can include a healthcare power of attorney and a living will. A living will states specific treatment preferences, while a healthcare power of attorney designates a decision maker. The two documents work together: the living will provides direct instructions and the power of attorney names someone to interpret and apply those instructions in real time. Having both documents in place helps ensure medical professionals and family have both explicit guidance and an authorized decision maker when difficult choices arise.
Activation Criteria and Incapacity
Activation criteria describe when the agent’s authority begins, often tied to a determination that you are unable to make decisions. Incapacity may be defined by a medical professional’s assessment or by conditions you specify in the document. Clear activation language prevents disagreements about timing and scope of decision-making. You can choose immediate activation, activation only upon certification of incapacity, or limited activation for specific circumstances. Defining these terms helps ensure your agent acts at the appropriate time and according to your expectations.
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
A durable power of attorney for healthcare is one that remains in effect even if you become incapacitated, which is the typical form used for medical decision-making. Making the power durable avoids the need for repeated court involvement if your condition changes. The durable feature simply means the document continues to authorize the agent unless you revoke it or a court invalidates it. This durability supports continuity of decision-making over time and ensures your chosen agent retains authority when you most need representation.
Comparing Options for Medical Decision-Making Authority
When planning for medical decision making, you can choose among several approaches, including naming an agent through a healthcare power of attorney, creating a living will with specific treatment instructions, or leaving decisions to family members without formal designation. Each option has strengths and weaknesses. A clear, executed power of attorney provides a designated decision maker; a living will gives direct instruction for certain treatments; informal family decision-making can lead to ambiguity or conflict. Selecting the best path depends on personal preferences, family dynamics, and the types of medical decisions you anticipate.
When a More Limited Authorization May Be Appropriate:
Short-Term Medical Needs or Specific Procedures
A limited authorization may be appropriate for a person undergoing a planned medical procedure, such as surgery, where a temporary decision maker is needed to act on routine consent matters or in the event of a short recovery complication. In these situations, specifying limited authority for a defined period or for specific types of decisions can be sufficient. This approach can give both the patient and the chosen agent clarity about the scope and timeframe of decision-making while avoiding broader commitments that may not be necessary for brief, anticipated medical events.
Targeted Authority for a Narrow Range of Choices
A limited approach may also suit those who want someone to make decisions only about a narrow category such as hospital discharge, rehabilitation placement, or consent for a specific treatment. By restricting authority to defined matters, you retain control over other areas while still providing a practical solution for the matters where immediate representation is likely to be needed. This tailored option can be a good fit when you have clear preferences about most aspects of care but foresee a need for help with a few specific decisions.
When a Broader Healthcare Power of Attorney Is Advisable:
Long-Term Planning for Chronic or Progressive Conditions
A comprehensive healthcare power of attorney is often appropriate when planning for long-term conditions or the possibility of progressive incapacity, where ongoing and varied medical decisions may be required. Such a document provides the appointed person with authority to address a wide range of issues, from routine treatments to end-of-life care decisions, reducing the need for repeated document updates. Broad planning also helps avoid delays when medical conditions evolve and ensures decisions can be made promptly by someone who understands your overall preferences and long-term objectives.
Complex Family Dynamics or Out-of-State Care
When family relationships are complex, or when care may take place in different locations, a comprehensive document can reduce disputes and clarify who has decision-making authority. Naming alternates and providing detailed instructions helps prevent disagreements that might otherwise require court intervention. A robust document also assists when medical care occurs across state lines by making intentions clear and reducing administrative hurdles. In such contexts, comprehensive planning supports continuity of care and decreases the likelihood of contested decisions at challenging moments.
Benefits of Choosing a Comprehensive Healthcare Power of Attorney
A comprehensive approach to the healthcare power of attorney offers clarity, continuity, and practical benefits for both you and your loved ones. It ensures there is a designated person who can make timely medical decisions that reflect your preferences and values, helping avoid delays during emergencies. Having detailed instructions and named alternates can also reduce disputes among family members, preserve relationships, and enable healthcare teams to focus on care rather than determination of authority. Overall, comprehensive planning adds predictability to difficult situations.
In addition, a comprehensive document allows for the inclusion of tailored provisions and limitations that match your unique situation, such as preferences about life-sustaining treatment or organ donation. This flexibility means your appointed decision maker has clear guidance and can act with confidence when facing complex choices. Regular review and updates keep the document aligned with changes in health, family relationships, or legal standards, ensuring your plan remains effective and reflects your current wishes over time.
Clear Authority That Medical Teams Can Follow
A comprehensive document provides unambiguous authority for the named decision maker, which helps hospitals and clinics accept and implement decisions without delay. When the language is clear about when authority begins and what types of decisions are covered, medical personnel can proceed with treatment plans confident they are acting in line with the patient’s designated representative. This reduces administrative friction and ensures the person making choices has documented legal standing, which is particularly important in urgent or unfamiliar care settings.
Reduced Family Stress and More Consistent Care
Having a comprehensive healthcare power of attorney helps families avoid conflicts about who should make decisions and what choices should be made during stressful medical events. Clear direction reduces uncertainty and supports a more unified approach to care. When the person appointed has defined authority and understands the patient’s preferences, the result is often more consistent decision-making aligned with the patient’s goals. This stability benefits both the patient’s medical outcomes and the emotional well-being of family members during challenging times.
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Practical Tips for Preparing Your Healthcare Power of Attorney
Select an Agent Who Will Follow Your Wishes
Choosing the right agent is one of the most important steps in preparing your healthcare power of attorney. Look for someone you trust to represent your values, who is willing to communicate with healthcare providers and family, and who can remain calm under pressure. Consider geographic proximity and availability, and name alternates in case your primary choice cannot serve. Have a candid conversation about your wishes and update the document if circumstances change so the person you appoint is prepared to make informed decisions on your behalf.
Discuss Preferences and Put Them in Writing
Keep Copies Accessible and Inform Providers
After executing the document, give a copy to the person you appoint, family members you trust, and your primary care physician. Keep a copy in a secure but accessible place and consider providing it to the hospital where you most often receive care. Informing healthcare providers and the appointed agent about the document’s existence reduces delays in honoring your designation. Scheduling routine reviews ensures the document remains aligned with your goals and that the agent knows where to find it when needed.
Reasons to Create a Healthcare Power of Attorney Now
Creating a healthcare power of attorney now lets you name someone to make medical decisions consistent with your wishes in the event of sudden incapacity or progressive illness. Planning ahead avoids ambiguity and reduces the need for emergency court involvement or stressful family negotiations. For adults of all ages, a completed designation provides clarity to medical providers and loved ones, preserves your autonomy by allowing you to select a trusted decision maker, and ensures your healthcare preferences are documented and readily available when they matter most.
Another reason to consider this document is that life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or the onset of illness may alter who is best suited to make decisions on your behalf. Updating the designation when circumstances change keeps your plan current and prevents unintended outcomes. Additionally, having the healthcare power of attorney coordinated with other estate planning documents creates a cohesive approach that addresses both medical and financial affairs, offering comprehensive direction to those who may act for you.
Common Situations When a Healthcare Power of Attorney Is Needed
Typical situations include scheduled surgeries where you may be temporarily unable to give consent, progressive illnesses that may ultimately impair decision-making capacity, and unexpected emergencies where immediate authorization is required. People also create these documents when they travel or relocate, if they have complex family dynamics, or when they want to make sure their medical preferences are respected during long-term care. In each case, naming a trusted decision maker and documenting specific preferences provides clarity and helps ensure your wishes are followed.
Planned Medical Procedures and Surgeries
For planned surgeries and medical procedures, a healthcare power of attorney allows your chosen agent to consent to routine perioperative decisions and to act if complications arise. This prevents delays in care if you are sedated or otherwise unable to communicate. Having the document in place before surgery ensures medical teams know who is authorized to make decisions and reduces stress for family members who might otherwise be unsure about next steps. It also allows your agent to advocate for your known preferences during recovery.
Progressive Illness or Cognitive Decline
When facing progressive conditions that may affect decision-making ability over time, a healthcare power of attorney provides a durable mechanism for someone you trust to manage evolving medical choices. Naming an agent and documenting preferences early avoids delays and uncertainty later, and helps ensure continuity of care as your needs change. Early planning also allows for thoughtful selection of alternates and for clear guidance on matters such as long-term treatment preferences, goals of care, and the extent of life-sustaining interventions you would or would not want.
Unexpected Emergencies and Accidents
Accidents and sudden medical emergencies can leave you unable to communicate important decisions at any age. A healthcare power of attorney ensures that someone you trust can make timely choices about diagnostic tests, surgeries, and other immediate treatments in accordance with your wishes. Without a designated agent, hospitals may need to pause decisions or seek family approval, which can delay care. Having clear authority already documented enables faster action and reduces the administrative burden on loved ones during crises.
Healthcare Power of Attorney Services in Blountville, Tennessee
If you live in Blountville or nearby and need assistance preparing a healthcare power of attorney, Jay Johnson Law Firm can guide you through the process. We focus on listening to your goals, discussing the range of options, and drafting documents that reflect your preferences and meet Tennessee legal standards. Our team also helps you communicate those choices to the person you name and to medical providers to ensure the document is effective when it is needed. To schedule a consultation, call 731-206-9700 or contact the office directly.
Why Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Your Healthcare Power of Attorney
Clients choose Jay Johnson Law Firm because we emphasize clear communication and practical planning. We take time to understand your priorities and help you select the right person to act for you, tailor the document language to reflect your wishes, and explain how the designation interacts with other advance planning tools. Our goal is to prepare a durable, readable document that can be followed quickly by medical providers and that reduces the likelihood of disputes among family members.
We also provide guidance on how to implement the plan by suggesting who should receive copies, how to store the document, and when to review it. If you have questions about how different provisions might work in specific medical scenarios, we discuss practical outcomes in plain language so you can make informed decisions. Our approach is focused on practical risk reduction and on ensuring the person you appoint can act with confidence and clarity when necessary.
For many clients, the reassurance that comes from having a clear, legally drafted healthcare power of attorney is the main benefit. We assist with execution requirements and provide a copy to the person you appoint if requested. If circumstances change, we help you update or revoke the document and coordinate those updates with other estate planning documents to ensure everything remains consistent. For assistance or to schedule a consultation in Blountville, call 731-206-9700.
Contact Us to Prepare Your Healthcare Power of Attorney
Our Process for Preparing a Healthcare Power of Attorney
Our process begins with a conversation about your goals and who you wish to designate to make medical decisions on your behalf. We then draft a document tailored to your preferences and aligned with Tennessee formalities, review it with you to confirm details, and guide you through execution so it will be accepted by healthcare providers. Finally, we advise on distribution of copies and periodic reviews to keep the plan current. This approach ensures the document is practical, enforceable, and ready when it is needed.
Step One: Initial Consultation and Decision Making
During the initial consultation we discuss your health care values, the types of decisions you wish your agent to make, and who might be a reliable choice to serve. We explore whether you also need a living will or other advance directives and whether any limits or activation conditions are appropriate. This conversation helps shape both the designation and the instructions included in the document so it accurately reflects your wishes while remaining usable in real medical situations.
Discussing Values, Preferences, and Goals of Care
We guide you through questions about preferences for life-sustaining treatment, comfort care, hospitalization versus home care, and other choices that affect medical decision-making. These discussions help identify what matters most to you and provide language that can be included in the document. Clear communication between you and the person you plan to appoint reduces misinterpretation and ensures decisions made on your behalf align with your values when the time comes.
Selecting an Agent and Naming Alternates
We help you consider practical factors in choosing an agent, such as willingness to serve, ability to communicate with medical professionals, and availability. Naming alternates provides a backup if the first choice cannot act. We also discuss scenarios in which limitations or special instructions might be useful. Thoughtful selection and clear documentation of alternates help ensure someone you trust is empowered to make decisions when necessary.
Step Two: Drafting and Review of the Document
After gathering information about your preferences and chosen agents, we prepare a draft document that reflects your directives and the activation criteria you prefer. We then review the draft with you to clarify language and make adjustments. This review stage is important to ensure the document is both legally sound and practically useful so that medical teams and your appointed agent can confidently apply it when circumstances require.
Tailoring Language to Reflect Your Wishes and Tennessee Law
We ensure the document’s language is compatible with Tennessee law while capturing the nuances of your personal choices. Clear, specific wording about when the agent’s authority begins and what decisions are included reduces ambiguity. We also address whether the power should be durable and whether additional directives or limitations are appropriate. This careful drafting helps prevent misunderstandings and makes the document more likely to be followed by providers.
Client Review and Confirmation Before Execution
Before finalizing the document, we walk through each provision with you, answering questions and confirming the scope of authority and any special instructions. This stage ensures you fully understand how the document will function and gives you confidence in your choices. If necessary, we make revisions based on your feedback so the final document matches your intentions and is ready for proper signing and distribution.
Step Three: Execution, Distribution, and Updates
Once the document is finalized we assist with the proper execution steps required in Tennessee, which may include witness or notary requirements. We recommend providing copies to the person you appoint, your primary care physician, and close family members, and keeping a copy in a safe and accessible place. We also encourage periodic review to ensure the document remains up to date as health, family, or legal circumstances change.
Signing Requirements and Proper Witnessing
Proper execution ensures the document will be accepted by hospitals and other providers when it matters most. We explain any witnessing or notarization requirements and coordinate those final steps so the document complies with Tennessee formalities. Completing signing with clear records of who received copies reduces administrative friction later. Following correct execution procedures adds confidence that medical teams will honor the designation without unnecessary delay.
Keeping Documents Accessible and Making Future Changes
After execution, maintain copies in places where they can be quickly accessed by your agent and healthcare providers. Inform relevant parties about the document’s location and consider electronically storing a copy for convenience. If your preferences or circumstances change, you can amend or revoke the designation and we can prepare updated documents. Regular review helps ensure your plan remains aligned with your current wishes and that those who may act on your behalf know how to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Powers of Attorney
What is the difference between a healthcare power of attorney and a living will?
A healthcare power of attorney names a person to make medical decisions for you when you cannot act for yourself, while a living will is a document that states specific treatment preferences. The power of attorney is focused on who will act and how they should decide, and the living will provides direct instructions about treatments in certain situations. Both documents can work together so that an appointed person can apply the living will’s instructions alongside their judgment in unforeseen scenarios. Combining both documents gives clearer guidance to caregivers and medical teams.When used together, the living will informs the agent’s choices by stating your preferences for particular medical interventions, while the healthcare power of attorney ensures there is a legally authorized decision maker on hand. Without these documents, family members or medical providers may be uncertain about who should decide and what choices you would prefer. Having both reduces delays, aligns decisions with your values, and helps ensure that medical teams can proceed according to your designated plan.
How do I choose the right person to serve as my healthcare agent?
Choosing a healthcare agent involves selecting someone you trust to represent your values and communicate effectively with medical professionals. Consider the person’s willingness to serve, their ability to remain composed under pressure, their availability during emergencies, and whether they understand your preferences. It helps to choose someone who lives nearby or can travel if decisions need to be made in person. You may also want to discuss the role with the person beforehand so they understand the responsibilities and are comfortable acting on your behalf if needed.Naming alternates provides redundancy in case the primary person is unavailable. You can also consider splitting responsibilities by naming different individuals for specific types of decisions, though that can complicate real-time decision-making. Clear written instructions and conversations with your chosen agents make it easier for them to act when necessary, ensuring decisions reflect your wishes and reducing potential conflicts among family members.
When does the agent’s authority actually begin?
When an agent’s authority begins depends on the language you include in the document. You can make the authority effective immediately, giving the agent power to act as soon as the document is signed, or you can require a determination of incapacity by a physician or a set of conditions before the agent’s authority activates. Specifying activation criteria clearly helps prevent disputes over when the agent should step in and provides guidance to healthcare providers about when they can accept decisions from the agent.If you choose activation upon incapacity, include clear language about who makes that determination and what evidence is required. Some people prefer an immediate but limited authority for day-to-day matters, with broader authority activated only upon certified incapacity. Discussing these options helps you select the approach that best balances your desire for control with practical needs for decision-making flexibility.
Can I limit the types of decisions my agent can make?
Yes, you can limit the types of decisions your agent can make. The document can specify particular areas of authority, such as consenting to or refusing life-sustaining treatment, making routine medical choices, or handling hospital discharge and rehabilitation placement. Tailoring the scope allows you to reserve certain decisions for yourself while delegating others. Clear, specific limits reduce misunderstanding and provide the agent with precise guidance about when and how to act.While limitations can be useful, overly narrow restrictions may create obstacles in urgent situations when rapid choices are needed. It is important to balance specificity with flexibility so that the person you designate can respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances while still honoring your core preferences. Discussing likely scenarios and including written guidance can help align the document with your intentions.
Do healthcare providers always have to follow a healthcare power of attorney?
Healthcare providers generally follow a properly executed healthcare power of attorney because it provides a designated individual with legal authority to make medical decisions on your behalf. Acceptance depends on the document’s compliance with state formalities and clear demonstration that the agent has authority. If the document is properly executed and the agent presents it when necessary, providers typically respect the agent’s decisions. Problems can arise if the document is ambiguous, improperly signed, or if multiple documents conflict.To increase the likelihood that medical teams will follow the designation, ensure the document meets Tennessee requirements, give copies to your primary care physician and the medical facility where you receive care, and make sure the appointed person carries a copy or knows how to access it. Clear communication and proper execution reduce the risk of delays or refusals when decisions must be made.
How often should I review or update my healthcare power of attorney?
It is wise to review your healthcare power of attorney periodically, particularly after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, changes in health status, or the death or unavailability of an appointed agent. Regular review ensures the document continues to reflect your current relationships and values. Laws change as well, so periodic legal review can confirm the document remains compliant with Tennessee requirements and practical for medical settings.If you find the designated person is no longer able or willing to serve, or if your preferences have shifted, you should update or revoke the document and prepare a new one. Keeping contact information current and confirming that copies are held where needed helps ensure the plan will be effective when necessary.
What happens if I don’t have a healthcare power of attorney?
If you do not have a healthcare power of attorney and you become unable to make medical decisions, healthcare providers may turn to next of kin or depend on state default rules to identify who should decide. In some situations family members may need to reach agreement, and in more contested circumstances, a court might appoint a decision maker, which can be time-consuming and stressful. Lack of designation increases the risk of decisions that do not reflect your personal preferences and can create conflict or delays in care.Planning ahead by naming a trusted decision maker and putting your preferences in writing prevents these outcomes. A prepared document gives authority to the person you choose and streamlines decision-making so treatments can proceed with less administrative interruption and fewer family disputes during critical moments.
Can I name more than one agent or name alternates?
You can name more than one agent, typically in the form of a primary agent and alternates to serve if the primary is unable or unwilling to act. Some people also name co-agents, though requiring co-agents to act jointly can complicate timely decision-making and may not be practical in urgent situations. Naming alternates is a common way to ensure someone is available when needed while avoiding the requirement that multiple people must agree on each decision.Discussing the structure with your advisor helps determine the best approach for your circumstances. If you choose alternates, be sure to document the order of appointment and communicate with those individuals about your wishes so they can step in smoothly if called upon.
Will my healthcare power of attorney be valid if I move to another state?
A healthcare power of attorney executed in Tennessee is generally effective within the state when properly signed, and many other states will recognize a valid out-of-state document, especially if it meets basic formalities. However, laws differ by state and certain facilities or providers may have specific requirements. If you plan to move or receive care in another state, it is wise to confirm whether an additional document is advisable to ensure seamless recognition of your designated decision maker.To avoid potential complications, consider preparing a document that follows Tennessee formalities and is written in clear, plain language. If you expect to spend significant time in another state, a brief review and possible re-execution appropriate to that state’s rules can provide added assurance that your wishes will be honored without interruption.
How do I revoke or change my healthcare power of attorney?
You can revoke or change your healthcare power of attorney at any time while you have decision-making capacity by creating a new document or executing a written and signed revocation. To be effective, the revocation should be communicated to the appointed person, healthcare providers, and anyone who holds a copy of the original document. Keeping records of the revocation and distributing the updated document helps prevent confusion about which designation is current.If you update the document, follow the proper execution requirements so the new version will be accepted. It is also a good practice to collect and destroy outdated copies where possible, and to inform relevant family members and healthcare providers that a new document is in place so they can rely on the most recent instructions.