A living will is not a will in the typical sense of the word. Also referred to as a healthcare directive or directive to physicians, it is a document declaring a person's wishes in terms of medical care in the event they become terminally ill or reach an unconscious state in which they are unable to communicate. Living wills initially assisted those who wanted to die a natural death, as opposed to prolonging it with artificial life support or other advanced healthcare technology. Once local legislation allowed, living wills became more widespread. They also expanded their boundaries to include tube feeding, resuscitation, and organ donation. Although living wills are valid in all 50 states, certain etiquette must be followed when drafting them. Healthcare providers must abide by a living will that follows all the guidelines appropriately.
A lot of people are under the impression that living wills instruct healthcare providers to withhold treatment. This is often the case, but it also gives patients the opportunity to request every form of medical treatment or select which ones are most appealing. Since living wills involve a variety of complex medical issues, consulting with a physician prior to making any major decisions is a wise choice. Some people elect not to complete a living will due to the concern that doctors may let them perish even when recovery is not out of the question. By law, a living will cannot take effect unless medical evidence proves that the patient has a terminal illness or is in a permanent coma and lacks the ability to specify medical preferences as a result.
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