As an attorney who has drafted hundreds of estate planning documents for Wisconsin families over the past twelve years, I can tell you that one of the most important – yet most overlooked – steps you can take is completing a Wisconsin advance directive. Also called a Wisconsin health care directive or advance directive form, this single document combines your Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will so your loved ones never have to guess what medical treatment you want if you become unable to speak for yourself.
In this guide, I’ll give you a completely free, attorney-reviewed Wisconsin advance directive form that complies with Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 154 and 155 (current as of 2025), explain every section in plain English, and walk you through exactly how to fill it out, sign it, and distribute it. You can download the fillable PDF at the end of this article – no email required.
A Wisconsin advance directive is a legal document that lets you appoint a health care agent (also called a health care power of attorney) and state your wishes about life-sustaining treatment, artificially supplied nutrition and hydration, pain relief, organ donation, and more.
Wisconsin is one of the few states that still uses two separate statutory forms – the Power of Attorney for Health Care (Chapter 155) and the Declaration to Physicians (Living Will) under Chapter 154. Fortunately, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and most hospitals accept a combined document as long as it contains the required language from both statutes.
In my practice, I’ve seen families torn apart when a loved one ends up on life support with no written directive. Having a properly executed Wisconsin health care directive eliminates that heartbreak.
The official Wisconsin advance directive forms contain four main parts:
Below is my professionally drafted, combined Wisconsin advance directive form that meets or exceeds all statutory requirements under Wis. Stat. §§ 154.03, 155.10, and 155.20. It is formatted exactly like the forms accepted by UW Health, Froedtert, Aurora, and Mayo Clinic Wisconsin locations.
Download the free fillable PDF here: Wisconsin Advance Directive Form 2025 (PDF) (Updated November 2025 – complies with current Wisconsin law)
Your agent should be someone you trust completely – usually a spouse, adult child, sibling, or close friend. Wisconsin law prohibits your attending physician or employees of your health-care facility from serving as your agent unless they are related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption (Wis. Stat. § 155.10(3)).
The Wisconsin living will portion only activates if two physicians certify you have either:
You have three basic choices:
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| I want treatment to prolong life | All measures will be used to keep you alive |
| I want treatment withheld/withdrawn if it only prolongs dying | Comfort care only – no ventilator, dialysis, etc. |
| I want my agent to decide | Most flexible – recommended by most attorneys |
In my experience, checking the box that gives your agent authority is the wisest choice because medicine changes rapidly and your agent can consider circumstances you never imagined.
Wisconsin is one of the few states where you must make a separate decision about artificially supplied nutrition and hydration. Many clients initially say “no feeding tube,” but after discussion decide they would want nutrition if it kept them comfortable and pain-free.
I always recommend adding language that you want aggressive pain and symptom management even if it unintentionally shortens life – this is allowed under Wisconsin and federal law.
Your Wisconsin health care directive must be signed in front of either:
Most of my clients choose two witnesses because it’s simpler and free. The witnesses must be at least 18 years old and not named as your agent.
Do I need an attorney to complete a Wisconsin health care directive?
No. The statutory forms are designed for laypeople. However, an attorney can customize provisions and avoid common mistakes.
Is the old 1990s Wisconsin form still valid?
Yes, but the newer forms are clearer and include organ donation and digital asset language.
Can I change my mind after signing?
Absolutely – you can revoke it at any time by destroying all copies, telling your doctor, or signing a new one.
Will hospitals in other states honor my Wisconsin advance directive?
Most states honor out-of-state directives under reciprocity laws, but carrying a national POLST form is wise for border areas (e.g., near Minneapolis or Chicago).
Important Disclaimer: This article and the attached Wisconsin advance directive template are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Laws change, and your individual situation may require customization. Always consult a qualified Wisconsin estate planning attorney or your physician before finalizing any advance directive.
Download your free 2025 Wisconsin advance directive form today and gain peace of mind knowing your wishes will be honored.