LIVING WILLS (ADVANCE MEDICAL DIRECTIVES)
WHAT IS A LIVING WILL?
An advance medical directive, popularly known as a "living will," is a special power of attorney that allows you to state what you want for your own medical care should you become unable to make that decision for yourself.
WHY SHOULD I HAVE A LIVING WILL?
By law, if you don’t have a living will your next of kin would have the power to make medical care decisions for you. However, no matter how close you are to your family or how many conversations you may have with them about final wishes, they may not truly be in a position to know what you really want, especially during times when they may be emotionally distraught. A living will removes all uncertainty and frees your family from making painful choices without your guidance.
What can I include in a living will?
A living will typically has two main sections: a health care power of attorney and a designation of end-of-life decisions.
The health care power of attorney designates a person (or persons) as your agent to make treatment decisions in the event you are incapacitated, either temporarily or permanently. This person does not have to be a relative.
End-of-life decisions are effective if you ever become permanently incapacitated or if your attending physicians declare you brain-dead. You may make a variety of decisions for your health care, including whether or not to continue life-sustaining or palliative procedures, medications, or feeding/hydration.
Other directives that you may include are funeral arrangements and intent for organ donation for scientific or medical purposes.
HOW DO I MAKE A LIVING WILL BINDING?
To become binding, you must sign the living will in front of two witnesses, who in turn must also sign the document.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?
If you would like a living will, call us for a consultation at (202) 670-2429 or send us an e-mail.
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