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An Advance Medical Directive, sometimes called a health care directive or living will, is a legal document that protects your right to make decisions about your medical care. It allows you to appoint a trusted individual, known as a health care agent, to access your medical records, communicate with doctors, and make treatment decisions if you become incapacitated.
This document applies only to medical decisions. It does not grant authority over finances or property. Instead, it ensures that your health care is guided by someone you trust and informed by the preferences you have clearly documented in advance.
Medical decisions often arise suddenly and under emotionally charged circumstances. Without written guidance, family members may struggle with uncertainty, disagreement, or guilt when asked to make choices on your behalf. An Advance Medical Directive removes that burden by allowing you to decide ahead of time how you want to be treated.
You may include instructions regarding life support, artificial nutrition, terminal conditions, pregnancy-related decisions, and how long doctors should attempt certain treatments before determining prognosis. By putting these preferences in writing, you provide clarity to your loved ones and medical providers while ensuring your values remain at the center of your care.
Who can I name as my health care agent?
You may name any trusted individual who is at least 18 years old. Many people choose a family member or someone with medical experience, but trust and understanding of your wishes are the most important considerations.
What types of medical decisions can my agent make?
Your agent may make any medical decision that you have not specifically addressed in your directive. This can include treatment options, care facilities, and end-of-life decisions.
What decisions can I include in my Advance Medical Directive?
Your directive can be as general or as detailed as you wish. Common instructions address life support, artificial nutrition and hydration, terminal illness, and other end-of-life care preferences.
Why is it important to have a medical directive in place?
This document allows you to make difficult medical decisions for yourself instead of leaving them to loved ones. Clear instructions reduce stress, uncertainty, and emotional burden for your family.
Can my health care agent make financial decisions for me?
No. A health care agent may only make medical decisions. Financial authority requires a separate Power of Attorney.
Where should I keep my Advance Medical Directive?
You should provide copies to your health care agent, backup agents, primary physician, and close family members. Many people also carry a wallet card noting that they have an Advance Medical Directive and whom to contact.
Can my agent or family override what I wrote?
Generally, no. The more specific your instructions are, the less discretion others will have and the less burden they will carry when decisions must be made.
Can a doctor override my directive?
In most cases, no. However, a physician is not required to provide treatment that is considered medically ineffective.
Do I also need a Do Not Resuscitate or EMS form?
Yes. An Advance Medical Directive does not function as a DNR. If you do not wish to be resuscitated in an emergency, a separate DNR or EMS order signed by your physician is required.
