As an estate planning and business law attorney who has drafted hundreds of Texas advance directives for clients over the past twelve years, I know how emotionally difficult—and legally important—it is to put your end-of-life medical wishes in writing. The Directive to Physicians Form Texas (commonly called a Living Will) is one of the most powerful documents you can complete today to protect your autonomy tomorrow.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you a completely free, up-to-date 2025 Texas advance directive form in fillable PDF format that combines the Directive to Physicians, Medical Power of Attorney, and Out-of-Hospital DNR in one compliant document. You’ll also learn exactly how to complete it, when it takes effect, how to make changes, and common mistakes I see that can render the form useless in an emergency.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the downloadable template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult a licensed Texas attorney or physician to ensure your advance directive meets your specific needs.
The Directive to Physicians Texas, formally titled “Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates,” is governed by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 166.039. It instructs your doctors whether you want life-sustaining treatment withheld or withdrawn if you are diagnosed with either:
According to the latest IRS and Texas Comptroller data, over 68% of Texans over age 65 still do not have any form of advance directive (source: Texas Health and Human Services 2024 report). Without a valid advance medical directive Texas, doctors default to providing all possible treatment—even if that conflicts with your values.
Click here to download your free fillable Texas Advance Directive PDF (2025 version) – includes Directive to Physicians, Medical Power of Attorney, HIPAA release, and optional organ donation.
This template is based directly on the statutory forms approved by the Texas Legislature and mirrors the exact language recommended on Texas Health and Human Services and IRS estate-planning cross-references for maximum enforceability.
| Section | Purpose | Legal Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Directive to Physicians (Living Will) | States your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment | Tex. Health & Safety Code §166.039 |
| Medical Power of Attorney | Names your agent to make decisions if you cannot speak | Tex. Health & Safety Code §166.152 |
| Out-of-Hospital DNR (optional) | Prevents EMS from resuscitating outside hospital | Tex. Health & Safety Code §166.081 |
| HIPAA Authorization | Allows agent to access your medical records | 45 CFR §164.508 |
Follow these step-by-step instructions I give every client:
Many people still search for “Texas advance directive form 2021.” The good news: The statutory form has not changed since 2017 (except minor formatting). The 2025 template I provide simply updates the header year and adds a combined HIPAA section that most hospitals now require.
In my practice, I see these errors constantly:
Yes – “Directive to Physicians” is simply the official Texas name for a living will.
Absolutely. Texas law specifically allows you to attach extra pages describing religious beliefs, specific treatments you do or do not want (ventilator, feeding tube, dialysis, etc.), or even preferences about palliative care.
No. The statutory form is designed for self-completion. However, if you have a complex estate, blended family, or specific medical concerns, I always recommend at least a 30-minute consultation.
Give the original to your primary agent. Keep additional signed copies with your doctor, in your hospital portal, and in an accessible place at home (not locked away).
I’ve stood at too many hospital bedsides where families were fighting because Mom never put her wishes in writing. Completing your advance directive forms Texas residents need takes less than 20 minutes and removes that burden from the people you love most.
Download your free 2025 Texas advance directive PDF today, fill it out this weekend, and sleep better knowing your voice will be heard—even when you can’t speak.
Download Free Texas Advance Directive Form 2025 (PDF)
Remember: This is not legal advice. Laws change and individual circumstances vary. Please consult a qualified Texas attorney or your personal physician to ensure your advance directive fully protects you and your family.
Sources: Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 166 | Texas Health and Human Services Advance Directives | IRS Publication 5300 (Estate & Gift Tax Overview cross-references)
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