Advance Medical Directives Directory
An advance medical directive is paperwork you fill out to detail what medical care you do and do not want should anything happen to you. It explains to your family and doctor how to proceed if you cannot tell them yourself. A living will explains what care you want, and a power of attorney places one person in charge of treatment decisions for you. That person becomes your health care agent (health care proxy). You should note whether you want to receive treatments such as CPR, breathing machine, feeding tube, and more. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how advance medical directives work, how to begin writing one, how to choose a health care proxy, and more.
Medical Reference
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Legal Issues and Alzheimer's Disease
If you, or a loved one, are diagnosed with Alzheimer's there are important financial and legal matters to consider. Learn more from WebMD.
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What Is a Health Care Agent?
Health care agents play a key role in end-of-life planning. Find out what they are, how they can help, and how to choose one.
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Advance Directives
Advance directives are legally binding and tell doctors what life extending measures you want taken, or not taken, if you are unable to communicate. Medical power of attorney designates a person to make decisions not covered in your advance directives.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Directives
WebMD answers key questions about advance directives, including a living will and power of attorney for health care.
Features
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Florida Case Spotlights the Need for Advance Directives
Experts Urge Family Members to Discuss Their Wishes for End-of-Life
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Making Your Last Wishes Known
Making Your Last Wishes Known
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Preparing an Advance Directive
Writing a living will and other end-of-life documents ensures your final days will be lived with dignity.
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Making Your Last Wishes Known
Laws in every state have made it clear: You have the fundamental right to make a decision in advance about whether to accept or refuse medical treatment if you become gravely ill.