Who fills this out
The patient (principal) fills out and signs. The form is usually completed alongside a healthcare power of attorney so the named agent has both authority and written guidance.
When to file
Not filed with any court. The signed original is given to the patient's primary doctor and a copy is uploaded to the Arizona Advance Directive Registry (free) so hospitals can pull it up at any hour.
What you will need
- The Arizona statutory form from the ADHS website or your hospital intake packet.
- One adult witness who is not your healthcare provider, an heir, your spouse, or financially responsible for your care, OR a notary.
- Your primary care physician's name and contact.
- Optional: Arizona Advance Directive Registry account for cloud access.
Common mistakes
- Naming a spouse as the witness. The witness cannot be a spouse, an heir, or anyone financially responsible for the patient's care under A.R.S. § 36-3221.
- Storing it in a safe deposit box. The box is sealed at death and the hospital cannot access it in an emergency.
- Not telling the agent the form exists. The healthcare POA agent should have a digital copy on their phone.
- Confusing a living will with a POLST/MOST. A POLST is signed by a physician for patients with serious illness; the living will is a personal directive anyone can sign.
Questions families ask
Is my Arizona living will valid in another state?
Most states honor an out-of-state advance directive, but the wording rules differ. Sign a new directive after a permanent move.
Can I revoke or change it?
Yes. Tear up the original and notify your doctor and family. Signing a new directive automatically revokes the older one.
Related forms
An Arizona durable financial power of attorney lets the principal name an agent to manage bank accounts, real estate, and tax matters if the principal loses capacity. Under A.R.S. § 14-5501, the document is valid only if signed by the principal, witnessed by one adult who is not the agent, and notarized at the same time.
An Arizona healthcare power of attorney under A.R.S. § 36-3221 lets you name an agent to make medical decisions if you cannot speak for yourself. It must be signed by you and witnessed by one adult who is not your provider, spouse, heir, or financially responsible for your care, or notarized.