Introduction

Healthcare directives allow you to decide in advance what medical care you do—or do not—want. They guide doctors and loved ones if you cannot speak for yourself. This blog explains the types of directives, why they matter, and how they fit into a broader estate plan.

What Are Healthcare Directives?

Healthcare directives are legal documents that express your preferences for medical care if you become unable to communicate. They often include a living will, which spells out treatment choices, and a healthcare power of attorney, which appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Together, these documents reduce uncertainty and help prevent conflict among family members.

Living Wills

A living will outlines specific treatments you do or do not want in certain medical situations. This may include instructions about CPR, ventilators, dialysis, or artificial nutrition and hydration. Living wills may also cover preferences for pain management and comfort care. They are typically limited to situations where recovery is unlikely or you are at the end of life.

Healthcare Power of Attorney vs. Directive

A healthcare power of attorney (also called a healthcare proxy or medical POA) appoints a person to make decisions if you cannot. A living will provides written instructions for specific medical treatments. The best practice is to have both: clear instructions for common situations and a trusted decision-maker for anything not anticipated.

HIPAA Releases

Federal privacy laws may prevent your agent or family members from accessing your medical information. A HIPAA release authorizes healthcare providers to share your records with the people you designate, ensuring your medical agent can make informed decisions.

POLST and MOLST Forms

Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) or Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) are doctor-signed orders used for people with serious illness or advanced frailty. They provide medical teams with clear, immediately actionable instructions. These forms complement, but do not replace, your living will and healthcare power of attorney.

Why Directives Matter

Healthcare directives avoid family disputes during medical crises, provide clarity for healthcare providers, and give you peace of mind that your wishes will be honored. Without them, difficult decisions may fall to loved ones under stressful circumstances, sometimes leading to disagreement.

Updating and Storing Directives

Review your healthcare directives after major life events or health changes. Store originals where they are easily accessible, and provide copies to your medical agent, family members, and doctors. Some people also carry a wallet card or upload directives to their patient portal for easy access in emergencies.

Conclusion

Healthcare directives ensure your voice is heard even when you cannot speak. Key steps include:
1. Complete both a living will and a healthcare power of attorney.
2. Add HIPAA release forms to allow access to medical information.
3. Review and update your directives regularly to keep them current.

By taking these steps, you can give clear guidance to your loved ones and medical team.