An Advance Healthcare Directive is a legal document also known as a living will or advance directive. Advance Directives often outline medical treatment preferences, such as when to use cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), ventilators, palliative care, dialysis, and organ or tissue donation. These treatments are more generally known as “life-sustaining treatment”. Unlike a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, the Advance Directive does not name a person to make medical decisions. Instead, it simply lists healthcare wishes, which your healthcare agent, family members, and/or loved ones can use to help them make healthcare decisions when you cannot make your own decisions. Typically, this document is used for end-of-life decisions and is submitted to your healthcare facility or nursing home to become part of your medical record so that your health care providers and caregivers are also aware of your wishes. This ensures that the health services you receive are in line with your wishes.
It is important to visit an elder law attorney who can help you create an Advance Directive form, as well as other legal forms that can be used to direct your healthcare and financial affairs when you are no longer capable of decision-making. These advance care planning documents can help keep your family from going to Court to get decision-making authority, and help you guide them when it comes to your healthcare wishes. Unlike generic legal document drafting websites, an attorney can also make sure that your documents comply with the appropriate state laws.