Once you have thought about your wishes, it is important to write them down in a legal document. The following documents are called advance directives. Advance directives should be updated regularly and shared with your health care agent, loved ones, doctor, and hospital. You may complete one or both documents.
- Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care is a legal document where you can select a health care agent to make health care decisions for you if you cannot.
- Health Care Directive (Living Will) is a legal document that tells your doctor what treatments you would or would not want if you were permanently unconscious or not expected to recover.
The Advance Directive includes both the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and the Health Care Directive, along with directions for how to complete it and make sure it is legally valid.
There is more information about each document below.