Advance Directives (Living Wills)

What is the purpose of an Advance Directive or Living Will?

If a serious medical condition prevents you from communicating your treatment decisions, the responsibility for making decisions about your care will fall to your family, physician, hospital or sometimes a court of law.

Preparing an Advance Directive, however, allows you to express your wishes regarding end of life treatment, which will provide guidance to your family, physician and caregivers, when you are unable to choose or refuse various types of medical care for yourself.