An advance directive is a legally binding document that gives instructions for your healthcare in the event that you are no longer able to make or communicate those decisions yourself. Laws and instructions differ by state. Learn more about the basics of advance directives and advance care planning.
Below you will find the advance directive template for Maine.
Instructions for Downloading the Advance Directive Template
- Opening a PDF requires a file viewer such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or MacOS Preview.
- If you already have this software installed on your computer, click on your state to proceed.
- Due to formatting and printing requirements, for some states a blank page will appear in the Acrobat Reader as the first page. This does not mean the document has not loaded correctly.
- Use the reader’s navigational toolbar to go to the next page.
- Once completed, save and print the form, or store it digitally. If using paper, you should scan the form and save it everywhere you can – including your phone – and distribute them to your inner circle, your physician, and anyone else you think should have it.
What happens if you do not have an Advance Directive in Maine and are unable to speak for yourself
The decisionmaker is decided by order of priority:
- A spouse, unless legally separated
- An adult who shares an emotional, physical, and financial relationship with patient similar to that of a spouse
- An adult child
- A parent
- An adult sibling
- An adult grandchild
- An adult niece or nephew related by blood or adoption
- An adult aunt or uncle, related by blood or adoption
- Any adult relative, by blood or adoption, familiar with the patient’s views and reasonably available
- An adult who has exhibited special concern, is familiar with the patient’s personal values, and is reasonably available
A surrogate may not be an owner, operator or employee of a residential long-term care facility where the patient is receiving care, unless the person is a spouse, adult child, parent, or relative with whom the patient has resided for more than 6 months prior to the decision.
In the event there are more than one member of a class, or classes disagree, the physician may rely on the majority of the class with highest priority, or refer to a neutral 3d party for assistance in resolving disagreements.
ME Rev Stat §18-C 5-806
Note that in many states, there are separate requirements related to minors, specific types of treatment (such as mental healthcare or medical research), or for pregnant women. These more specific provisions are beyond the scope of this information. Some states will also allow for an oral designation of an agent. The purpose of this information is to help you plan ahead for when you may not be able to make a decision for yourself, so it does not address oral designations.
