How does appointing a health care agent differ from creating a living will?
A living will is a document that provides specific instructions about end-of-life care. Its purpose is to give specific directions or guidelines for the care you want to receive. A health care proxy, also known as a medical power of attorney, is a document in which you designate a person (the health care agent) to make medical decisions that may or may not be limited to end-of-life care. Generally, the appointment of a health care agent permits more flexible decision making. Living wills, when used without a health care agent, are more limited as a tool for decision making because they cannot address unanticipated medical situations and might be difficult to interpret in a particular circumstance.
Related Questions
- While in the hospital, if I did NOT prepare a living will or designate a health care agent who would be my "legal" decision maker if I were unable to make medical decisions?
- How does a living will differ from a durable power of attorney for health care?
- How do a power of attorney for health care and a living will differ?
