An estimated 80 percent of Wisconsin residents have not completed an advance directive documenting their preferences about issues surrounding health care decisions.

And in the age of coronavirus, advance care planning is as important as ever.

“Due to accidents or illness, three out of four people will be unable to make some or all of their medical decisions at the end of life,” said Attorney Ben Adams, special advisor to the State Bar of Wisconsin Elder Law & Special Needs Section.

“If you haven’t named someone in a health care power of attorney document and you become incapacitated or incompetent, then it’s likely a court proceeding will be needed to appoint a medical decision-maker for you. Court process can be avoided in most cases if you do advanced care planning,” Adams said.

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Through April 25, the State Bar of Wisconsin is offering a free download of the PDF, A Gift to Your Family: Planning Ahead for Future Health Needs, a health care decisions planning guide. It’s being offered in recognition of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16, 2020.

The guide offers practical insights on a range of issues surrounding health care decisions, such as power of attorney for health care, living wills, and organ and tissue donation. It also includes state forms to help people put their wishes in writing.

Under Wisconsin law, competent adults have the right to control decisions about their future medical care, including the right to accept or refuse treatment and the right to be an organ​ and tissue donor.

If you need help finding an attorney, the State Bar offers a Lawyer Referral & Information Service, a public service that helps identify the most appropriate resource for consumers with legal problems. Call 608-257-4666 or 800-362-9082.

A print version is also available in English or Spanish. The cost is $5 per publication. To order by phone, call 608-257-3838 or 800-728-7788.