WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ADVANCE DIRECTIVES?
• Living will Appointment of a health care agent • Appointment of an attorney-in-fact for health care decisions, also called a durable power of attorney for health care decisions. A living will is a document that states whether you wish to have life sustaining procedures or treatment administered should you be in a terminal condition or permanently unconscious. The living will tells your physician whether you want “life support systems” to keep you alive in these situations or whether you do not want to receive such treatment, even if the result is your death. A living will goes into effect only (1) when you are unable to make or communicate your decisions about your medical care and (2) when you are in a terminal condition or permanently unconscious. A health care agent is a person whom you authorize in writing to convey your wishes concerning whether you wish to withhold or withdraw life support systems. The agent does not become involved in any other treatment decisions. A health ca
