Plain Language Vermont Advance Directive

We are excited to announce that a new version of the Vermont Advance Directive Form has been released on the VEN website. As part of our ongoing effort to improve accessibility to medical decision-making tools, the Vermont Plain Language Form was developed in partnership with the Inclusive Healthcare Partnership Project (IHPP), the Vermont Department of Health, the Office of Rural Health, the Vermont Palliative Care Task Force and numerous individual contributors.

For a detailed walkthrough of the new form, consider registering for our upcoming training session.

Download the Plain Language Form

Save the Date! Lunch & Learn Webinar:

Overview of the VT Plain Language Advance Directive

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

12:00-1:30pm via Zoom (Registration page coming soon)

Join the VEN team for a deep-dive into the new Plain Language Advance Directive form. Learn how this form differs from other advance directives in the VEN library, and how it can be used to change the conversation about advance care planning.

Registration is free. This session is recommended for all healthcare professionals, advance care planning facilitators, volunteers, estate & elder law attorneys, but is open to all.

VEN News and Events

Monthly Zoom Support for ACP Facilitators

Are advance directives and advance care planning conversations a regular part of your work? Whether you are a health care professional, social worker, case manager, estate attorney, or health care volunteer, join our monthly meetings to get your advance care planning questions answered.

The first meeting will be on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 11:00-12:00. These meetings will take place on the first Wednesday of each month.

Trending Up!

Vermont Counties Register More Directives Each Year

The Vermont Advance Directive Registry stores over 60,000 advance directives for Vermonters, and supports individuals and providers to keep documents accessible when needed.

Thanks to the tireless work of health care professionals and volunteers, we register more documents every year. Check out your hospital service area below to see how many new advance directives were registered!

Learn more about the VADR

	Total Registrants 2022	Total Registrants 2023	Total Registrants 2024	Total Registrants 2025
BARRE	5,440	5,946	6,549	7,315
BENNINGTON	2,717	3,102	3,541	3,976
BRATTLEBORO	2,626	2,833	3,106	3,387
BURLINGTON	19,090	20,904	22,835	24,943
MIDDLEBURY	3,591	3,919	4,283	4,686
MORRISVILLE	2,340	2,638	2,939	3,246
NEWPORT	2,194	2,392	2,580	2,795
RANDOLPH	1,207	1,319	1,447	1,560
RUTLAND	5,472	5,955	6,555	7,384
SPRINGFIELD	1,644	1,760	1,942	2,036
ST. ALBANS	2,593	2,821	3,062	3,350
ST. JOHNSBURY	2,773	2,934	3,128	3,340
WHITE RIVER JCT	3,549	3,803	4,045	4,320

How to Order Taking Steps Publications

The Taking Steps Series is a comprehensive set of brochures and booklets for all stages of advance care planning in Vermont. Visit the VEN website and complete the order form for your desired quantity.

Orders for 5 booklets or fewer are completely free, and discounts available for bulk orders.

Taking Steps Order Form

The Vermont Ethics Network offers customized workshops and trainings on a variety of topics. In addition to our community workshops, VEN also offers trainings for professionals in all healthcare settings on a variety of topics, including:

Medical Decision-Making
Advance Care Planning (Vermont Advance Directive & DNR/COLST)
Navigating Patient Refusals
Issues in Rural Healthcare
Medical Ethics in Long-term Care and more!

Whether you are in an in-patient or out-patient setting, in a small facility or large healthcare network, VEN will tailor trainings to the needs of your staff.

Fill out the inquiry form on our website to request a VEN training or workshop today!

Presentation Request Form

Vermont Ethics Network

Vermont Advance Directive Registry