Advance Health Care Directives include individual health care instructions regarding health care decisions for you and powers of attorney for health care (similar to the durable powers of attorney for health care).  The Advance Health Care Directive also encompasses what was formerly included in a “living will” since individual health care instructions can now include your wishes about refusing or accepting life-sustaining treatment.

An Advance Health Care Directive allows you to do either or both of two things.  First, you may appoint another person to be your health care agent.  This agent (also known as attorney-in-fact) will have legal authority to make decisions about your medical care if you become unable to make these decisions for yourself.  Second, you may write down your health care wishes in the Advance Health Care Directive form — for example, a desire not to receive treatment that only prolongs the dying process if you are terminally ill.  Your doctor and your agent must follow your lawful instructions.