Advance Directive, aka “Living Will”
An Advance Directive (also referred to as a Living Will, Health Directive, or Directive to a Physician) provides the legal basis to withhold life-sustaining medical treatment in the event of terminal illness in a permanently unconscious state. An Advance Directive does not authorize physician-assisted suicide. Rather, the Directive, completed when the Declarant was fully conscious and mentally competent, declares the Declarant’s preferences when he or she is no longer able to do so. The Advance Directive is communicated by the Health Care Representative, pursuant to a Health Care Power of Attorney, who decides to continue life-sustaining treatment or withhold it. Most Advance Directives refer specifically to withholding nutrition and hydration.
For more information on Advance Directives and to purchase your own, click here.