Writing an Advance Directive

Basic Types of Advance Directives

Having an advance directive means that you have written down information that can guide others into making medical decisions and providing care should you become unable to communicate your wishes. A living will and a medical power of attorney to designate a health care agent are the two main types of advance directives.

Living will

A living will, also called a treatment directive, outlines your general preferences for health care and medical treatment, such as what measures you would like taken if you are hospitalized with a serious illness. You have the right to stop or refuse any medical treatment, even if it will result in your death. If you have a living will, this right is protected even if you are no longer able to speak for yourself.

Medical power of attorney

This is a legal document that lets you choose and appoint someone, usually called a health care agent or health care proxy, to make medical treatment decisions for you not only at the end of life but any time you are unable to speak for yourself. Laws vary from state to state. There are restrictions in some states that limit the agent's authority. In a few states you can designate a health care agent to speak for you immediately and at any time that you choose not to make your own medical decisions. Your health care agent can use the information in your living will as well as what he or she knows about you personally to make decisions about your medical treatment.

For more information, see the topic Choosing a Health Care Agent.

As long as you can make your wishes known about medical treatment, your advance directive will not be used. You can change or revoke your advance directive at any time. Your health care agent will make decisions for you only if you choose not to make them yourself or if you become unable to make decisions and speak for yourself.

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Author:	Jeannette Curtis	Last Updated: December 27, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Shelly R. Garone, MD - Palliative Care
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