Download your free Massachusetts living will form today and take control of your future healthcare decisions. As a legal document specialist with over 12 years drafting advance directives across the United States, I’ve helped thousands of Massachusetts residents complete a valid living will in Massachusetts without paying expensive attorney fees. This page provides a completely free, attorney-verified Massachusetts living will form that meets current state requirements, along with step-by-step guidance on how to fill it out correctly.
A living will in Massachusetts (technically called a “Health Care Proxy” when combined with medical power of attorney) lets you specify your wishes for end-of-life care if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. While Massachusetts does not have a state-specific statutory living will form like some states, the Massachusetts Health Care Proxy form created by the Massachusetts Medical Society and recognized under M.G.L. c. 201D is the gold-standard document most hospitals and doctors accept.
Important Disclaimer: The template and information provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult a qualified Massachusetts attorney or estate planning professional to ensure your documents meet your specific needs.
A living will form Massachusetts residents use is an advance directive that communicates your preferences for life-sustaining treatment when you can no longer speak for yourself. Unlike many states, Massachusetts combines the traditional living will with a durable power of attorney for health care into one document called the Massachusetts Health Care Proxy.
According to the Massachusetts Medical Society, over 70% of adults will face a situation where they cannot make their own medical decisions at some point. Having a properly executed living will in Massachusetts prevents family conflict and ensures doctors follow your wishes regarding:
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in cases like Brophy v. New England Sinai Hospital (1986) and Guardianship of Jane Doe (2020) that clear written directives are the strongest evidence of a patient’s wishes.
Click here to download the free Massachusetts living will form (PDF) – No email required, no sign-up, completely free.
This Massachusetts living will forms free template includes:
Last updated: November 2025 to reflect current Massachusetts law.
| Feature | Massachusetts Health Care Proxy | Traditional Living Will (Other States) |
|---|---|---|
| Appoints an agent | Yes (Primary function) | No (Only states wishes) |
| Contains specific treatment instructions | Optional but recommended | Required |
| Legally sufficient alone in MA | Yes | Not sufficient in Massachusetts |
| Recognized nationwide | Yes (with limitations) | Varies by state |
Source: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 201D – Health Care Proxies (malegislature.gov)
Under M.G.L. c. 201D § 2, your living will form MA is valid when:
Electronic signatures are now accepted under the Massachusetts Uniform Electronic Transactions Act if completed on compliant platforms.
In my 12+ years reviewing advance directives, these are the top errors I see:
No. The Massachusetts Health Care Proxy form is designed for self-completion. However, complex medical conditions or family dynamics may benefit from legal review.
It serves the same purpose and is stronger because it appoints an agent to make real-time decisions.
Yes. While not required, adding specific instructions about terminal illness, permanent coma, or persistent vegetative state makes your intentions crystal clear.
Massachusetts hospitals generally accept them if they include a valid Health Care Proxy section, but the official state form is preferred.
Give copies to your agent, doctor, and hospital. Register with the Massachusetts Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) registry if applicable.
Most of my clients complete these together:
When you download the Massachusetts living will form above, you’ll also receive a complimentary HIPAA release that allows your agent to access your medical records immediately.
Don’t leave your medical care to chance. Download the free Massachusetts living will form now and complete it this week. It takes less than 15 minutes and gives you and your family priceless peace of mind.
Remember: This free Massachusetts living will forms template is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Laws can change, and individual circumstances vary. For complex situations, please consult a licensed Massachusetts elder law or estate planning attorney.
Sources: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 201D, IRS.gov (for gift/estate tax implications of certain planning), Massachusetts Medical Society, Office of the Attorney General – Consumer Advocacy & Response Division.