What are advanced medical directives?
- Advance Medical Directives are the legal documents that you execute and give to your surrogate so that he/she may act as your decision maker to accept, reject, or withdraw any medical procedures or treatments offered if you become incapacitated. To can on your behalf, your surrogate should know your wishes regarding medical treatment and life support.
- The two legal documents used to make advance medical directives are the Living Will and the Medical Durable Power of Attorney. If you become incapacitated and you did not previously sign an advance medical directive, a guardian may have to be appointed by the court to make decisions for you.
