There are several things you can do to help insure that your directive is honored:

§         Talk to your loved ones and medical providers about your wishes and preferences and give them each a copy of your directive.  (A copy is just as legal as the original!)

§         Keep your directive up to date.  Review and update your directive regularly, especially when you move, your health or your health care provider changes, or you need or want to change your agent.  Keep a list of who has copies so that you can provide them with the updated version.