Living Wills

A Living Will (pronunciation: /ˈlɪvɪŋ wɪl/), also known as an advance directive, healthcare directive, or advance decision, is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves because of illness or incapacity. The term "Living Will" is also commonly used to indicate the suite of documents, including such directives and a Health Care Proxy appointment, by which that person makes such decisions.

Etymology

The term "Living Will" is derived from the standard "will" or "last will and testament", in which a person outlines their wishes after their death. In contrast, a "Living Will" is intended to guide decisions while the person is still alive, but unable to communicate their wishes.

Related Terms

Advance Healthcare Directive: A legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves because of illness or incapacity.
Health Care Proxy: A legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone else to make decisions about their medical treatment if they are unable to do so themselves.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: A legal document that gives someone else the authority to make healthcare decisions for you in the event you are unable to make them for yourself.
Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR): A legal order written either in the hospital or on a legal form to respect the wishes of a patient to not undergo CPR or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) if their heart were to stop or they were to stop breathing.