As health care needs evolve—whether due to aging, a medical diagnosis, or unexpected life events—so too must your estate planning documents.

From health care directives to durable powers of attorney and living wills, having up-to-date estate documents is essential to ensure your medical wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. Failing to revise these documents regularly can leave you vulnerable during times when decisions must be made quickly and accurately.

In today’s complex medical and legal landscape, your estate plan should reflect your current health status, trusted decision-makers, and personal values.

---

Updating healthcare planning documents like your advance health care directive, HIPAA release forms, and living will ensures your voice is heard—even if you’re unable to speak for yourself.

It also provides clarity and peace of mind for family members, reducing confusion or potential disputes during medical emergencies.

All people, are encouraged to immediately review their healthcare related documents. This is especially true for people 60 and over or with a chronic underlying condition. Health care documents include: living will, DNR, health care proxy, and HIPAA releases.

In many instances in the past, an agent would be in the hospital with the individual who appointed them, document in hand when prepared to act.

Given quarantines and the need for social isolation this may not only be impractical, but may not be permitted.

Language should be expressly added to all healthcare related documents wherein the person executing the document expressly authorizes the agent to give directions by telephone, text, facetime, web conference, email and other forms of communication.