The term advance directive describes two types of legal documents that enable you to plan for and communicate your end-of-life issues in the event you are unable to communicate:

• A living will allows you to document your wishes concerning medical treatments at the end of life.
• A medical power of attorney (or health care proxy) allows you to appoint a person you trust as your health care agent (or surrogate decision maker), who is authorized to make medical decisions on your behalf.

Advance directives are legally valid throughout the United States.  The laws governing advance directives vary from state to state, so it is important to complete and sign advance directives that comply with your state's law.  Also, advance directives can have different titles in different states. Click here to download state-specific documents that comply with the laws in your state.

Living wills and medical powers of attorney are valuable tools to help communicate wishes about future medical care.  Thoughtfully prepared advance directives can ease the burden on those who must make healthcare decisions for us.

Advance directives identify who you wish to speak for you and make decisions if you become unable to speak for yourself as the result of an accident or illness.  Without advance directives, decisions might not be made by people who know you or your wishes.  Advance directives give you a voice in decisions about your medical treatment, even if you are unconscious or too ill to communicate.