An Arkansas living will is a written document that lets an individual of sound mind, at least eighteen years of age, state their wishes for life-sustaining treatment in advance.[1.1] This applies if you later become terminally ill or permanently unconscious and cannot communicate your decisions. It mainly addresses whether to use or refuse treatments such as CPR, tube feeding, or a ventilator.
Last Updated: September 2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current Arkansas law. If you notice an error or outdated information, please contact us.
To be valid, sign the living will yourself, or have someone sign it in your presence at your direction, in front of two witnesses.[1.3]
Arkansas living wills are governed by the Rights of the Terminally Ill or Permanently Unconscious Act. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 20-17-202, the declarant must sign the document, or have someone sign it in their presence and at their direction, and two witnesses must also sign it.[1.3]
An Arkansas living will is also called an advance directive or an advance care plan. These plans record your wishes before a medical crisis.
Please note: Arkansas law allows a living will to be witnessed by two people or acknowledged before a notary public.[1.3] The Arkansas living will form provided on this page only includes a witness acknowledgment, so choose two qualified witnesses to sign it.
Arkansas law also provides sample declaration wording in § 20-17-202(b) that you may use, though you are not required to use that exact language.[1.2] A standardized template, like the one below, makes it easier to include every required element.
Arkansas residents may also create a health care power of attorney to name a health care agent who can make medical decisions on their behalf.
You may revoke your declaration at any time and in any manner, whatever your mental or physical condition. The revocation takes effect once you, or a witness to the revocation, tell your attending physician or other health care provider (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-17-204(a)(1)).[1.4]
| Document Name | Arkansas Living Will Form |
| State Form Name | Arkansas Advance Care Plan Form |
| Signing Requirements | Two Witnesses |
| Validity Requirements | Ark. Code Ann. §§ 20-17-202 to 20-17-203 |
| State Laws: Arkansas Code Ann. § 20-17-202 | |
Yes. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 20-17-202, an Arkansas living will must be signed by the declarant, or by someone else at the declarant’s direction, and it must be witnessed by two individuals.[1.3] This signature and witness requirement applies whether you use the statutory sample language or a standardized template like the one on this page.
The Arkansas living will and medical power of attorney form combines your health care wishes and, optionally, a health care agent designation in one document. Follow the steps below in order, using the page numbers to find each part of the form.
After signing, give copies to your physician, your named healthcare agent, and any close family members who should know your wishes.
General information, not legal or tax advice.
