A Healthcare Directive, also known as an advance directive or living will, is a legal document that details a person’s healthcare wishes if they are ever unable to make decisions due to incapacity or unconsciousness. It appoints a trusted agent to access medical information and make crucial healthcare decisions on the individual’s behalf, such as continuing or withdrawing medical care and consenting to or refusing treatments. This directive takes effect when the individual is deemed incapable of making their own medical choices and ensures that their healthcare preferences are respected while easing the decision-making burden on loved ones. Selecting an agent requires careful consideration to ensure they share and will uphold the individual’s wishes. The process typically involves filling out personal details, appointing a healthcare agent, specifying treatment wishes, and officially validating the document with a signature, often in the presence of a notary.
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