A healthcare directive (also called an advance directive or medical directive) is a legal document that combines your healthcare wishes with a designation of who should make medical decisions if you can't. It's the most comprehensive healthcare planning document.
Healthcare directive vs. living will vs. healthcare proxy
- Living will — specifies what treatments you do or don't want.
- Healthcare proxy — designates who makes decisions for you.
- Healthcare directive — combines both into one document.
Most states now recognize a unified healthcare directive that covers both.
What a healthcare directive covers
- Designation of healthcare agent — the person you trust to make medical decisions if you're incapacitated.
- Life-sustaining treatment — whether you want CPR, ventilators, feeding tubes, or dialysis if there's no reasonable chance of recovery.
- Pain management — your preferences for pain relief, even if it may shorten your life.
- Organ donation — your wishes about organ and tissue donation.
- Artificial nutrition and hydration — whether you want tube feeding or IV fluids.
- Mental health treatment — whether your agent can consent to psychiatric treatment on your behalf.
Choosing your healthcare agent
Pick someone who:
- Knows your values — understands your beliefs about medical treatment and quality of life.
- Can handle pressure — medical decisions are stressful and time-sensitive.
- Will advocate for you — will follow your wishes even if family members disagree.
- Is available — can be reached quickly in an emergency.
Name an alternate agent in case your first choice can't serve.
Make it legal
- Sign in the presence of witnesses (and notary if required by your state).
- Give copies to your doctor, hospital, healthcare agent, and family.
- Review every 3–5 years or after any major health event.
- Keep the original in an accessible but safe location.
A state-specific healthcare directive drafted to your wishes takes about ten minutes.