A healthcare directive, also known as a living will or advance healthcare directive, is a document that specifies what actions should be taken for an individual’s healthcare in the event that they are unable to make decisions for themselves due to incapacity or unconsciousness. The directive typically includes instructions on the use of life-sustaining measures, such as artificial feeding and hydration, as well as the use of pain management and other medical treatments.

A healthcare directive is an important part of an estate plan because it allows an individual to make their medical wishes known in advance, and it can help to ensure that their wishes are respected even if they are unable to communicate them directly.

The healthcare directive may name an agent or proxy to make decisions on behalf of the person if they are unable to. This person should be someone who knows the person well and can carry out their wishes. It is important to consult with attorney and healthcare professional to guide you in creating and customizing this document to your specific needs and preferences.

All of these things are essential as part of your healthcare directive plan and your healthcare directives. also authorize some things that might happen to you after death. This is a place where we put in, you know, organ donation, directives, maybe you authorize autopsies. These are all things that have to be legally communicated in these documents to be effective for your care.