Mobile Medical Notary 

Understanding Your Options: What Every Resident Needs to Know

Navigating healthcare documents can be confusing, but as a local professional, I want to make sure you have the clarity you need to protect your wishes. There are three key distinctions you should understand before we meet to notarize your paperwork:

• Advance Directives vs. Living Wills: It is a common misconception that these are the same thing. In reality, a Living Will is just one component of a broader Advance Directive. While your Living Will outlines your specific medical preferences, the full Advance Directive also allows you to appoint a Healthcare Agent—the specific person you trust to speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself.

• Legal Documents vs. Medical Orders: This distinction is vital for your next steps. Advance Directives, Power of Attorney (PoA), and Living Wills are legal documents; these are the ones I typically help you with, as they usually require a notary or formal witnesses to be valid. Conversely, DNRs (Do Not Resuscitate) and POLSTs are actual medical orders. These must be reviewed and signed by a physician to take effect.

• When These Documents Take Effect: Timing matters. While every adult should have an Advance Directive on file regardless of their health status, documents like POLSTs and DNRs are generally reserved for individuals facing serious illness or those nearing the end of life. Having your Advance Directive in place now ensures your voice is heard no matter what the future holds.

• I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Mississippi.
• I may not provide legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.
• I do not draft legal documents or provide interpretations of any legal instruments.