ABSTRACT
Advance directive is a general term for oral or written instructions about patient’s wishes for future medical care, should he become incapable of making those decisions. This document states both wanted and unwanted treatments. The living will is a written document that states patient’s wishes regarding the use of any medical treatment he choose to have in the event of a terminal illness, a persistent vegetative state, or any condition in which he is unable to communicate. It tells the doctor that if patient is in one of those conditions, he want to be allowed to die naturally, without receiving life-sustaining treatments, including food and water, except for measures that may be necessary to provide comfort and relief from pain. The durable power of attorney is a legal document. With this form, patient authorizes someone he trusts to make health care decisions in the event he is unable to speak or decide for himself.
