Advance Directive (GA)

Advance directives, sometimes called health care powers of attorney and living wills, are important planning documents that help you prepare for a time when you're unable to make or communicate your own health care decisions. You must complete this form before you're incapacitated to make sure your loved ones know your wishes.

This document lets you appoint someone you trust - for example, a family member or close friend - to make health care decisions for you during that time. This person, called an "agent," "representative," or "attorney-in-fact," can make sure health care providers follow your wishes, and decide how your wishes apply as your condition changes. You can place limits on their authority and leave instructions for them.

The living will part of the form, sometimes called a "directive" or "health care instructions," lets you explain your wishes for medical care. This will help guide your health care providers and your agent, if you have one, if you're not able to communicate. It's specifically meant to address issues of life support and end-of-life care but could also include information about common medical treatments you would or would not want, and what you consider an acceptable quality of life.