Advance Directives
The most common advance directives include:
- Medical Durable Power of Attorney: A document that legally appoints a health-care agent to make medical decisions for you when you are not able to
- Advance Directive for Surgical/Medical Treatment (also known as a Living Will): This directive is used only when a physician (or physicians) has determined that the patient has a terminal condition or is in a permanent vegetative state. The directive documents your wishes related to life-sustaining procedures and artificial nutrition.
- CPR Directive: This directive documents refusal of CPR in the event your heart or breathing malfunctions or stops.