Updated August 03, 2023
A Louisiana living will is a written declaration that states a declarant’s wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments if they are terminally ill or in an irreversible condition. Any adult can create a written declaration so long as they are of sound mind. It is the responsibility of the declarant to ensure that their physician is aware of the written statement and that the document is accessible for such an event that it is needed. A written declaration in Louisiana must be signed before two (2) witnesses.
Definition
“Declaration” means a witnessed document, statement, or expression voluntarily made by the declarant, authorizing the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures, in accordance with the requirements of this Subpart. A declaration may be made in writing, orally, or by other means of nonverbal communication.
Laws
- Registration – Use the Living Will Registration Form and attach $10 ($20 for a certified copy). Use the Current List of Locations where to record (§ 9:2446-7).
- Signing Requirements – Two (2) witnesses (§ 1151.2(A)(2)).
- Statute – § 1151.2
How to Write
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Step 1 – Establishment of Declarant/Principal – Enter the information as follows:
- Date the top of the document in dd/mm/yyyy format
- Enter the full legal name of the declarant/principal
Step 2 – Declarant/Principal End of Life Selections – The Declarant must review the next section in the document.
- Once reviewed, select by initialing the line preceding your selected manner of the end of life treatment.
- Read the remainder of the document and enter the Declarant’s
- signature
- city
- parish
- state of residence
Step 3 – Witnesses – This document will require the signatures of two witnesses – Read the sentence for the witnesses.
- If the witnesses agree, enter signatures respectively