Registering an Advance Directive
The Vermont Advance Directive Registry is an electronic database that stores advance directive documents. You are not required by law to send an advance directive to the registry. However, hospitals or other providers will have quick access to these documents in an emergency, if they are stored in the registry.
This service is free for Vermonters who wish to register.
- How to Register an Advance Directive
- Confirmation from the Registry
- Advance Directive Form (includes versions from other organizations)
How to Register an Advance Directive
NOTE: A REGISTRATION AGREEMENT FORM must be submitted with the ADVANCE DIRECTIVE or LOCATOR FORM to the registry.
- If you already have an advance directive or living will, it can be registered as well, but you still need to fill out the Registration Agreement form and mail the forms to the address below.
- You may also choose to use advance directive forms from other organizations. The Registration Agreement form must be included also.
If you do not have an advance directive, complete the following steps:
1.Download the forms
Fill out both forms and sign the Registration Agreement. The Registration Agreement gives the registry permission from you, the registrant, to send a copy of your advance directive and emergency contact information to those authorized to access them.
2. Mail or fax the Advance Directive, along with a completed and signed Registration Agreement to:
- Vermont Advance Directive Registry
523 Westfield Ave.
PO Box2789
Westfield, NJ 07091-2789
Fax: 908-654-1919
3. If you do not wish to share your advance directive online because of privacy concerns:
You can complete and send an Advance Directive Locator Form instead.
The Locator Form is stored in the registry in place of the advance directive, and describes the physical location of your advance directive - that is who has copies of it, but not the actual contents.
Be aware that the Locator Form method may delay important health care decisions until the advance directive document is located.
Mail or fax the completed Locator Form along with the Registration Agreement:
- Vermont Advance Directive Registry
523 Westfield Ave.
P.O. 2789
Westfield, N.J. 07091-2789
Fax: 908-654-1919
For technical assistance
- E-mail the VADR at techsupport@uslivingwillregistry.com
- Or call 908-325-2525 Monday to Friday, 9 am - 5 pm EST.
Confirmation from the Registry
After receiving and processing the documents, the registry will mail you a confirmation letter that the documents were scanned and safely stored in the registry.
Along with the confirmation letter, you will receive:
- A registration ID number on a wallet card.
- Adhesive labels with registry contact information.
- Instructions for accessing the registry, viewing the documents, and making changes.
Annually, the Vermont Advance Directive Registry will contact you by mail to confirm your advance directive information.
You are responsible for the accuracy of your advance directive, to ensure it reflects your wishes and instructions at all times, and any other important update information such as changes of address for your agent and alternate agents.
Advance Directive Forms
The list includes forms from other organizations.
Follow the mail or fax directions above to submit the Advance Directive form, along with the Registration Agreement, to the registry.
- Vermont Ethics Network
Short form, with five sections: naming your agent; treatment wishes; organ and tissue donation; funeral arrangements or other wishes for your remains; signed declaration.
- Vermont Protection & Advocacy (Word format)
This form may be used if you wish to include additional directions regarding psychiatric treatment and medications.
- Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
This form may be used for people with developmental disabilities who want to appoint a health care agent, but may not be able to describe detailed advance directives.
- Vermont Department of Health
Long form, with nine sections: Appointment of My Health Care Agent; Others Who Are or May Become Involved in My Care; Statement of Values and Goals; End-of-Life Treatment Wishes; Other Treatment Wishes; Waiver of Right to Request or Object to Future Treatment; Organ and Tissue Donation; Wishes for Disposition of my Body after my Death; Signed Declaration of Wishes.
Vermont law does not favor one Advance Directive form over another. Read the Vermont Statute on Advance Directives, Title 18, Chapter 231.