Who Should have a Copy of my Advance Directive?
Posted by Lori Torman on 6th Jan 2026
To ensure your medical wishes are honored, the people responsible for your care must have immediate access to your advance directive. You should distribute copies to the following:
Key Individuals
- Healthcare Agent/Proxy: Your primary designated decision-maker must have a copy.
- Alternate Agents: Ensure any backup agents also have copies in case your primary choice is unavailable.
- Primary Care Physician: Ask your doctor to upload the document directly into your permanent electronic medical record.
- Family Members: Provide copies to your spouse, adult children, or other close relatives who would be involved in an emergency.
Institutions and Professionals
- Hospitals and Specialists: Give copies to any hospital where you are regularly treated and to any specialists you see for chronic conditions.
- Attorney: If you worked with a lawyer to draft the document, they should keep a copy in their files for legal reference.
- Faith Leaders: Some choose to provide a copy to their clergy if spiritual values heavily influence their medical decisions.
Personal Accessibility
- At Home: Keep a copy in an easy-to-find location (e.g., on the refrigerator or in a clearly marked "Emergency" folder). Do not store the only copy in a safety deposit box, as it may be inaccessible during an emergency.
- On Your Person: Carry a wallet card indicating that you have an advance directive and where it is located. Alternatively, carry a custom-engraved aluminum wallet card with a QR code from StickyJ Medical ID, which provides instant access to your advance directive form when scanned by a smartphone. Advance directive bracelets, pendants and Apple watch tags with QR codes are also available.