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The term advance directive describes two types of legal documents that enable you to plan for and communicate your end-of-life issues in the event you are unable to communicate:

• A living will allows you to document your wishes concerning medical treatments at the end of life.
• A medical power of attorney (or health care proxy) allows you to appoint a person you trust as your health care agent (or surrogate decision maker), who is authorized to make medical decisions on your behalf.

Advance directives are legally valid throughout the United States. The laws governing advance directives vary from state to state, so it is important to complete and sign advance directives that comply with your state's law. Also, advance directives can have different titles in different states. Click here to download state-specific documents from Caring Connections that comply with the laws in your state.