What type of document outlines medical decisions for an individual who is unable to communicate their wishes?

A living will is a specific type of advance directive that outlines an individual's preferences regarding medical treatment and interventions in situations where they become unable to communicate their wishes due to illness or incapacitation. This document typically includes guidance on whether to receive life-sustaining treatments, such as resuscitation or artificial nutrition and hydration.

The living will ensures that healthcare providers and family members understand and respect a person's wishes regarding end-of-life care and other critical medical decisions when they cannot express themselves. This provides clarity in emotionally charged situations, alleviating the burden on loved ones and ensuring that the patient's desires are honored.

Comparatively, a health care proxy designates a specific person to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual when they are unable to do so, rather than outlining specific medical wishes directly. A durable power of attorney can extend beyond healthcare matters, granting broader authority that may include financial and legal decisions, while a medical directive is a broader term that can sometimes encompass both living wills and health care proxies but does not refer to one specific type of document.