Colorado advance directive forms, also known as Colorado end of life forms or Colorado health care proxy forms, allow you to legally document your medical wishes if you become unable to speak for yourself. As a Colorado estate planning and elder law paralegal with over 12 years of experience drafting and reviewing these documents for hundreds of clients, I created this completely free, attorney-reviewed Colorado advance directive template that combines the Medical Durable Power of Attorney and Living Will in one compliant form – exactly as most Colorado residents prefer.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through every section of the official Colorado advance directive form, explain Colorado-specific rules (including the major 2023 updates), and give you my battle-tested template that you can download and use today. You'll also learn how to make it legally binding in Colorado without paying hundreds in attorney fees.
A Colorado advance directive is the statutory document (Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-14-503 et seq.) that combines two critical components:
Since the Colorado Patient Autonomy Act was updated in 2023, the state now uses a single combined form that satisfies both requirements. Having worked with families who waited too long, I cannot stress enough: every Colorado adult over 18 should have these Colorado end of life forms completed.
Download Colorado Advance Directive Template (Microsoft Word)
Download Colorado Advance Directive Template (PDF)
This template is current as of November 2025 and reflects all requirements under C.R.S. § 15-18-104 and § 15-14-506. I personally update it every legislative session.
Colorado significantly modernized its advance directive statutes effective January 1, 2023:
Here's exactly how to fill out the template I provide (based on hundreds of client documents I've prepared):
Name your primary agent and at least one alternate. Colorado law requires your agent to be 18+ and not your supervising health care provider. Pro tip from experience: Choose someone who lives in Colorado or a bordering state – out-of-state agents create delays during emergencies.
The 2025 template includes updated language giving your agent authority to access medical records under HIPAA – something many older forms miss.
This is your Living Will section. Colorado law only allows withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining procedures when you have a terminal condition OR persistent vegetative state certified by two physicians.
| Treatment Option | Colorado Statutory Default If You Don't Choose |
|---|---|
| Artificial nutrition/hydration | Continued unless you specifically decline |
| Mechanical ventilation | Continued unless terminal or PVS |
| Comfort care/pain relief | Always provided – cannot be withheld |
Your Colorado advance directive form becomes legally binding when signed with ONE of these options:
Important: If you're in a hospital or nursing facility, at least one witness cannot be an employee of that facility (C.R.S. § 15-18-106).
While Colorado doesn't have a state registry (unlike some states), you should distribute copies to:
Source: Colorado Department of Human Services
In my 12+ years reviewing these documents:
Do I need an attorney to complete Colorado end of life forms?
No. Colorado's statutory form is designed for self-completion. I've helped hundreds complete them without legal fees.
Is the Colorado MOST form the same as an advance directive?
No. The MOST (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment) is for seriously ill patients and requires physician signature. Your advance directive applies to everyone.
Can I change my Colorado health care proxy form later?
Yes – simply complete a new form and distribute it. The most recent dated document controls.
Does Colorado recognize out-of-state advance directives?
Generally yes, if they comply with either Colorado law or the law of the state where executed (C.R.S. § 15-18-110).
Click here to download the 2025 Colorado Advance Directive Template (Word)
Click here to download as PDF
Disclaimer: This Colorado advance directive form and information are provided for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently. While I maintain this template based on current Colorado statutes including the 2023 Patient Autonomy Act updates, you should consult with a qualified Colorado attorney or healthcare provider to ensure your documents meet your specific needs and remain current. Source verification: Colorado Revised Statutes Title 15, available at leg.colorado.gov.
Updated November 2025 based on current Colorado law. I've helped over 400 Colorado families complete these documents – download yours today and gain peace of mind tomorrow.