A Living Will is a document that allows a person to explain in writing which medical treatment he or she does or does not want during a terminal illness. A Living Will takes effect only when the patient is incapacitated and can no longer express his or her wishes. The will states which medical treatments may be used and which may not be used to die naturally and without the patient's life being artificially prolonged by various medical procedures.
Among others, this form includes the following key provisions:
- Living Will: Provides for wishes should the declarant become terminally ill or injured, or permanently unconscious
- Signature: Confirms that these are the wishes of the person whose name appears on the document
- Witnesses: Declares that the person whose name is on the document is of sound mind
- Signature of Proxy: Allows proxy named in document to accept role
