If you’ve clicked on this link, you have some questions about what is a living will. Sometimes people confuse a healthcare directive, which is where you appoint an agent to be able to communicate your healthcare needs when you can’t, with a living will.

A living will, also known as an advance directive, is a legal document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment in the event that you become unable to make decisions for yourself. The document typically specifies what types of treatments you would or would not want to receive if you were in a terminal condition or in a persistent vegetative state.

A living will can be used to express your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments such as artificial ventilation, artificial nutrition and hydration, and organ donation. It can also be used to designate a person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Having a living will can be very important for ensuring that your medical wishes are respected if you are unable to communicate them yourself. It can also help your family members and healthcare providers make difficult decisions about your care, knowing that they are carrying out your wishes.

It’s important to keep in mind that living will vary by state and country, so you should consult with an attorney or other legal professional familiar with the laws in your area to ensure that your living will is legally valid and can be enforced