Living Will

A Living Will is a legal document that expresses your preferences for medical treatment if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious and cannot communicate. It typically addresses: life-sustaining treatments (mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition/hydration, resuscitation), pain management, organ donation, and other end-of-life care preferences. Unlike a healthcare power of attorney which designates a decision-maker, a living will directly states your treatment wishes. The document provides guidance to healthcare providers and family members, reducing burden on loved ones and preventing unwanted interventions. Living wills must comply with state law requirements and should be reviewed periodically and updated if wishes change. Copies should be provided to healthcare providers, healthcare agents, and family members. In some jurisdictions, physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) provide more detailed, actionable medical orders for seriously ill patients.