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 New Mexico.
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 New Mexico and are unable to speak for yourself
The decisionmaker is decided by order of priority:
- A spouse, unless legally separated
- An individual in a long-term relationship of indefinite duration with a commitment similar to a spouse
- An adult child
- A parent
- An adult brother or sister
- A grandparent
- If none of the above are available, an adult who has exhibited special care and concern for the patient, is familiar with the patient’s personal values, and is reasonably available may act as surrogate
If there is more than one person in a class, the healthcare provider is to follow the majority of members who have communicated their views. If the class is evenly divided, that class an all individuals of lower priority are disqualified
Unless related by blood, marriage o adoption, a surrogate may not be an owner, operator or employee of a health-care institution at which the patient is receiving care
NM Stat. § 24-7A-5
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.
