The protracted legal battle surrounding the recent death of Terry Schiavo has led many to consider their own end-of-life decisions and how to make them known and legally recognized.

A 12-page form that enables Alaska residents to leave advance health care instructions is available free at the Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center front admissions desk, the hospital announced recently.

The forms can also be found online at www.lawhelp.org/ak.

The forms include a living will, durable power of attorney for health care, a mental health directive and instructions for organ donation.

The forms allow residents to determine the level of care they wish to receive to keep them alive should they be unable to state their wishes.

These decisions include whether to receive artificial nutrition and hydration and whether to prolong life as long as possible under certain circumstances.

The forms require the signature of two witnesses, one of whom is not related to the person making the living will. Alternatively, the document can be signed by a public notary in Alaska.