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Advance Directives

Advance directives are legal documents that let you state your wishes for medical care if you become too ill to speak for yourself. They help you tell family, friends, and health care providers what you want, avoiding confusion later. A living will says which treatments you want if you are dying or permanently unconscious. A durable power of attorney for health care names someone you trust to make health decisions for you.

Frequently asked questions

What are advance directives?

Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to spell out your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time, according to the NIH.

What is a living will?

A living will tells which treatments you want if you are dying or permanently unconscious, such as dialysis, breathing machines, or tube feeding.

What is a durable power of attorney for health care?

It is a document that names your health care proxy, someone you trust to make health decisions for you if you are unable to do so.

Can I include organ donation in my advance directive?

Yes, you can include instructions on organ or tissue donation in your advance directive.

How can I complete an advance directive?

Studies show that video decision aids, web tools, and structured conversations with providers can help increase completion of advance directives.

Sources

Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.