What legal document specifies an individual's preferences for life-sustaining treatment if they are unable to make decisions?

A Living Will is a legal document that clearly outlines an individual's preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment in situations where they may become incapable of making their own medical decisions. This document typically addresses specific medical interventions, such as resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, or feeding tubes, and conveys the individual’s wishes to healthcare providers, ensuring that they receive care in alignment with their values and preferences during critical health situations.

It plays a crucial role in medical decision-making by providing clarity to family members and healthcare professionals about what actions should be taken or avoided when a person is unable to express these decisions themselves. This can help prevent distressing situations for loved ones, as they are guided by the individual's documented wishes.

While a Power of Attorney designates someone to make decisions on behalf of an individual, it does not specifically spell out treatment preferences. A Patient Brochure typically contains information about the care or services available at a healthcare facility, and a Clinical Directive involves specific guidelines set by healthcare institutions, which do not reflect individual patient preferences for life-sustaining treatment.