All about Advanced Directives
An advanced directive is any legal document that allows a patient to express his or her wishes concerning health care. There are three major forms of advanced directives: a living will, durable power of attorney (DPA) for health care and a do not resuscitate order (DNR). Be advised that different states have different laws regarding advanced directives, so be sure to find out about the laws in your particular area.
In general, anyone 18 or older can obtain an advanced directive. Again, different states have different laws pertaining to the number and types of witnesses needed for such a document. But in all cases, it is important to discuss your end-of-life health care desires with your family, so that they clearly understand your wishes if a major medical decision has to be made.
Living Wills
A living will is an advanced directive that is only used should you become terminally ill. Two doctors must agree that a patient is either in an irreversible coma or has less than six months to live and is unable to make medical decisions.
In a living will, a person can describe the types of treatment that should be administered or withheld in certain situations. This document is legally binding and cannot be overturned by anyone, including doctors or family members, other than the patient. The patients themselves can revoke this document at any time by telling a witness, tearing it up or putting their new decision in writing.
