Instructions to one's family, physician and others that describe an individual's preferences for medical treatment to be used when the individual becomes incapacitated Advance directives include living wills, durable power of attorney (healthcare) and surrogate decision-makers
"Advance directives" is a term used for the various means by which people communicate their wishes about end-of-life care to their health care providers Advance directives include living wills, health care proxies and "Do Not Resuscitate" orders
Written statements, prepared in advance of a serious illness, in which an individual can state his/her preferences when a treatment decision is necessary
Living wills for Medicare beneficiaries The Health Care Financing Administration requires that these be distributed to all Medicare members when they are admitted to hospitals, even if it is a readmission Back to Top
(also called medical directives) - Written statements in which individuals specify the kind of medical treatment they desire if they become incapacitated or terminally ill
legal documents including the Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care A Living Will states what type of treatment you wish to receive in the event that you become physically or mentally unable to communicate your wishes A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care authorizes another person to make medical decisions for you when you are unable to do so for yourself See also Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care