Tennessee Advance Directive Form

A Tennessee advance directive is a form that enables an agent to inform the principal’s physician of their medical wishes or make their treatment decisions for them. The document only becomes valid if a physician confirms that the principal cannot speak for themselves, a mental state known as “incapacitation”. The principal can select their preferences for after-life care. For example, they can instruct the agent to handle their burial arrangements, funeral services, and/or organ donation. If the principal has not completed these sections, the agent must choose for them.

The principal must write the form before becoming mentally or physically disabled. If they do not have an advance directive in place before that time, the principal’s family member or friend must set up a court date to appoint a conservator. The judge chooses a conservator who they feel would best represent the principal’s wishes when making their medical decisions.