Make your end-of-life care wishes known with free, easy-to-use online forms

If you were in the hospital and couldn’t speak, who would speak for you? Would they know what your care wishes are?  

No one likes talking about death or end-of-life matters, but on April 16, The Missouri Bar is encouraging individuals to do just that as part of National Healthcare Decisions Day. 

NHDD has existed since 2008 to educate the public and medical providers about the importance of advance care planning. To help Missourians express their wishes regarding health care – and help providers and facilities respect those wishes – The Missouri Bar offers free Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directive forms year-round. 

“Sometimes legal forms and procedures can seem complicated and overwhelming. That’s why The Missouri Bar is here to help make the process as simple, clear, and accessible as possible,” said Athena Dickson, 2025-2026 Missouri Bar president. “Please take advantage of these free planning resources, so you can have peace of mind and be prepared for the future.”  

These forms allow individuals to document their care preferences, including decisions on life-prolonging procedures and organ donation. Individuals can also outline who they want to carry out their health care wishes.  

To learn more about NHDD and how you can complete your Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directive form, go to MissouriLawyersHelp.org.