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Living Wills and Advanced Directives |
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There are two types of Advanced Directives.
- Living Will: This is a type of advance directive in which you put in writing your wishes about medical treatment and/or end of life issues should you be unable to communicate at the end of life. Your right to accept or refuse treatment is protected by constitutional and common law.
- Medical Power of Attorney. This is another type of advance directive, sometimes called a “Health Care Proxy” or “Appointment of a Health Care Agent” which enables you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions about your medical care if you can not make those decisions for yourself. In many states, the person you appoint through a Medical Power of Attorney is authorized to speak for you anytime you are unable to make your own medical decisions, not only at the end of life.
An advance directive is a way to ensure that your wishes are followed for medical treatment and end of life issues. You may do this in two ways by making your wishes known in written form called a “Living Will”, and/or choosing to appoint someone you trust as your “Medical Power of Attorney” who will follow your directions and/or make decisions in your behalf if you are unable to make known your wishes or unable to make decisions related to your health and health treatments.
These documents can be downloaded at CaringInfo.org
Click on Advanced Care Planning, then Download your state’s advanced directives. Click the state in which you reside and print. The document must be notarized or signed by two witnesses that are non-related to be valid in the court of law.
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