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Recording Your Wishes Once you know what level of medical care you want, you can protect your wishes by putting them in writing. With an advance directive, you can name someone else to make medical decisions for you (durable power of attorney for health care). Or you can state the specific treatments you'd choose or refuse (living will). Laws on advance directives vary by state. Some states recognize only one kind of advance directive, some let you do a durable power of attorney and living will, and some combine both on one form. A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care This document lets you name another person (agent or proxy) to make medical decisions for you. Your agent can speak for you if–and only if–you can't state your wishes yourself. Your agent can make decisions anytime your health prevents you from expressing your desires–if you're temporarily in a coma, for example. Your medical condition doesn't have to be terminal or irreversible. A Living Will This document lets you explain in writing which medical treatment you want or don't want at the end of your life. A living will takes effect only when you are at the end of your life and can no longer express your wishes yourself. The laws defining "end-of-life" vary by state. Often, a living will applies only when you suffer from a terminal or irreversible condition and aren't expected to survive without further medical treatment. 
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