What is a Healthcare Directive?

A Healthcare Directive is a statement that provides direction to others regarding your healthcare choices. It allows you to accept or reject healthcare options, and gives you the ability to choose someone you know and trust to speak for you, if you are unable speak for yourself.

Why should I have a Healthcare Directive?

A Healthcare Directive allows you to exercise your right of control over your healthcare. It ensures that concerned family, friends and medical providers know your wishes and it reduces stress and tension when decisions concerning your healthcare must be made.

How can I get a Healthcare Directive?

Winona Health Volunteers, Social Workers, Attorneys, Healthcare Professionals and others can provide assistance. For easy, free and local assistance, attend a public session at Winona Health. Trained facilitators will present information and give individual assistance in completing your Healthcare Directive.

Free healthcare directive informational sessions are open to the public. RSVP to attend a session by calling Winona Health Volunteer Services at 507.457.4342.

Download instructions on completing your Healthcare Directive:
Completing Your Healthcare Directive (English)
Completing Your Healthcare Directive (Spanish)

Download the Healthcare Directive form:
Healthcare Directive Form (English)
Healthcare Directive Form (Spanish)

Learn more! Download Healthcare Directive Education.

Keep your information handy. Download the Healthcare Directive wallet card.

What do healthcare providers think?

“Patients with serious illness or injury are often confused or otherwise unable to direct their healthcare. The Healthcare Directive is the best way for individuals to be sure their physicians and family will know their wishes. It is very difficult and stressful for relatives, friends and physicians to make decisions and end-of-life choices. I’m a strong believer in Healthcare Directives.”

~ Charles A. Shepard, MD, FACP, Winona Health

Healthcare Directive Form

A Healthcare Directive is a replacement for a living will, power of attorney for healthcare and an advance directive. By obtaining a form and completing it, you have the right to control your healthcare decisions.

Healthcare Directive Form (English)
Healthcare Directive Form (Spanish)
A legal document developed to create a power of attorney for healthcare that meets the requirements of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa residents.

Healthcare Directive Power of Attorney for Finance

Learn more! Download Healthcare Directive Education.

Keep your information handy. Download the Healthcare Directive wallet card.

Questions on Healthcare Directives
Please call 507.454.3650.