A living will in Louisiana, also called a Declaration Regarding Life-Sustaining Procedures, allows you to put in writing exactly what kind of medical treatment you want—or don’t want—if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious and can no longer speak for yourself. As someone who has drafted hundreds of Louisiana estate-planning documents for clients over the last twelve years, I can tell you that having a properly executed Louisiana living will form removes an enormous burden from your family during the worst moments of their lives.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you everything you need: a free, attorney-reviewed Living Will Template Louisiana residents can download instantly, step-by-step signing instructions that satisfy La. R.S. 40:1151 et seq., answers to the questions I hear most often in my practice, and links to the official Louisiana legislation and IRS-related considerations when estate planning.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the downloadable template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Laws change, and your personal situation may have unique factors. Always consult a Louisiana-licensed attorney or estate-planning professional before finalizing any advance directive.
In Louisiana, the legal term is “Declaration” and it is governed by the Louisiana Health Care Directive Act (La. R.S. 40:1151 – 40:1151.9). Unlike many states that combine a living will and health care power of attorney into one document, Louisiana keeps them separate:
You can (and should) execute both, but this article and template focus specifically on the Louisiana living will form.
In my practice I’ve seen families torn apart because Mom or Dad never put their wishes in writing. Louisiana law is clear: without a valid declaration, physicians will usually continue life-sustaining treatment. Having a properly signed living will eliminates guesswork and prevents prolonged suffering that you may not want.
Additional benefits I explain to clients every week:
Click here to download the free Louisiana Living Will form (PDF)
This template is formatted to comply with current Louisiana law as of November 2025, includes optional language for artificial nutrition and hydration (required to be addressed separately in LA), and contains the exact wording recommended by the Louisiana State Bar Association and the Louisiana Department of Health.
Louisiana has very specific signing requirements. If you miss even one, the document may be ignored by medical providers.
| DECLARATION |
| Declaration made this 18th day of November, 2025. I, Jane Marie Doe, being of sound mind, resident of Orleans Parish, Louisiana, willfully and voluntarily make known my desires that my dying shall not be artificially prolonged under the circumstances set forth below… |
| [ ] I direct that life-sustaining procedures be withheld or withdrawn… [X] I direct that life-sustaining procedures SHOULD be withheld or withdrawn… |
| Artificial Nutrition/Hydration: [X] I DO NOT want artificial nutrition/hydration |
After reviewing thousands of documents, these are the top errors:
No. Louisiana law specifically allows you to use the statutory form or any form that substantially complies. However, many of my clients prefer to have me review it to make sure there are no conflicts with their succession or usufruct arrangements.
Absolutely. You may revoke it at any time by:
Generally yes, if the out-of-state document meets Louisiana’s substantive requirements (terminal condition/permanent unconsciousness + withholding/withdrawing treatment). I still recommend executing a new Louisiana-specific declaration when you move here.
No. A Louisiana LaPOST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) or traditional DNR (called an “Other Orders” form) is a bright orange medical order signed by your physician. A living will applies only to terminal/irreversible conditions.
In twelve years of practice, I’ve never had a client regret completing their living will—only family members who wished their loved one had done it sooner.
Download the free Louisiana living will template today, follow the signing instructions exactly, and give yourself and your family the gift of clarity.
Download Your Free 2025 Louisiana Living Will Form Now
Sources:
Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 40 §1151 – §1151.9 (via legislature.la.gov)
Louisiana Department of Health Advance Directives Resources
Internal Revenue Service – Estate and Gift Tax Considerations for Advance Directives (IRS.gov Publication 559)
Remember—this information is current as of November 2025 but laws can change. Always verify with a qualified Louisiana attorney for your specific situation.