Directive to Physicians is the legal name for the document known as a living will. This legal name is appropriate because the purpose of a living will is to provide direction to medical professionals and loved ones on the type of care you wish at the end of your life. A list of specific procedures that should or should not be performed can be included. A person can be named to make decisions for you if you are unable to make decisions for yourself.
This document works hand in hand with your medical power of attorney. The medical power of attorney is effective until a doctor’s decision about your condition triggers the living will into power. A living will only becomes effective if a doctor determines you have a terminal condition with less than six months to live or an irreversible condition.
This document is important because it addresses medical decisions specific to end of life choices and serves a different purpose than a medical power of attorney. Many people will make different decisions if their life expectancy is short. A living will allows you to provide clear direction about your treatment decisions even if you are unable to voice them. Additionally, some people feel the person that is best suited to make day to day medical decisions is not the best person for end of life decisions. In this instance one person is named as decision maker in the medical power of attorney and a different person is named in the living will.
Law Offices of Debbie J. Cunningham
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- The Importance Of A Directive To Physicians - April 17, 2024
