Understanding Medical Directives

Last updated 6/30/2026

Two documents, often confused

A living will states your wishes about specific treatments — like whether you want to be kept on life support. A healthcare power of attorney names a person to make medical decisions on your behalf when you can’t speak for yourself. Most states let you combine both into a single “advance directive.”

Choosing a healthcare agent

Pick someone who:

• Lives close enough to act quickly in an emergency.
• Can handle a hospital room and a difficult conversation with a doctor.
• Will follow your wishes, not what they’d choose for themselves.

It doesn’t have to be your closest relative. It has to be the person most likely to carry out your instructions under pressure.

Making it usable in an emergency

A directive sitting in a filing cabinet at home doesn’t help a hospital during an emergency. Give copies to your healthcare agent, your primary doctor, and any hospital where you’re likely to be treated. Some states also maintain a registry you can file with.

Revisiting your directive

Review it every few years, and any time your health status or relationships change significantly.