| Living Will |
Durable Power of
Attorney
for Health Care |
| Spells out, in writing, under what circumstances you want
medical care withdrawn or withheld |
Appoints someone to make health care decisions for you and
permits you to specify guidelines and limitations if you wish |
| Requires no specific form |
Must use a specific form |
| Refers only to withholding or withdrawing care |
Encompasses all health care decisions, including requesting
or refusing treatment |
| Applies only to terminal conditions that leave you unable
to make or communicate decisions |
Applies to any kind of illness or injury that incapacitates
you |
| Does not place decision-making responsibility on a specific
person |
Requires that you name someone you trust who is willing to
accept responsibility |
| Is static and may not cover every possible medical
situation |
Is flexible and can apply to changing circumstances |
| Can be easily revoked, orally or in writing |
Can be easily revoked, orally or in writing |
| Specifically addresses nutrition and hydration |
Need not specifically address nutrition and hydration |
