Living Will (Advance Directive)
A living will is a legal document that specifies a person's wishes regarding medical treatment and life-sustaining measures if they become terminally ill or permanently incapacitated and unable to communicate their decisions.
Exam Tip
Living will = YOUR end-of-life instructions (document). Healthcare proxy = PERSON who decides. Need both for complete planning.
What is a Living Will?
A living will, also called an advance directive or medical directive, is a legal document that outlines your wishes for end-of-life medical care. It takes effect when you are terminally ill, permanently unconscious, or otherwise unable to communicate your medical preferences.
Living Will vs. Healthcare Proxy
| Feature | Living Will | Healthcare Proxy |
|---|---|---|
| What It Is | Document with instructions | Appointed person |
| When Active | Terminal/permanent incapacity only | Any incapacity |
| Scope | Specific end-of-life scenarios | All medical decisions |
| Best Practice | Have both | Have both |
Decisions Addressed in a Living Will
| Treatment | Options |
|---|---|
| CPR | Accept or refuse resuscitation |
| Mechanical Ventilation | Accept or refuse breathing machines |
| Tube Feeding | Accept or refuse artificial nutrition/hydration |
| Comfort Care | Always provided (pain management) |
Common Misconceptions
- "A living will covers all medical decisions." Reality: Living wills typically only address end-of-life situations. You need a healthcare proxy for other medical decisions.
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Healthcare Proxy
A healthcare proxy is a legal document that designates a trusted person (the agent or proxy) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself due to illness or incapacity.
Power of Attorney (POA)
A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes a designated person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to make financial, legal, or healthcare decisions on behalf of another person (the principal), either immediately or upon incapacity.
Advance Directive
An advance directive is a legal document that allows individuals to specify their healthcare preferences and designate a decision-maker in case they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves. Common types include living wills and durable power of attorney for healthcare.
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