What does a living will specify?

A living will is a legal document that outlines an individual's preferences regarding medical treatment in the event that they become incapacitated and are unable to communicate their wishes. This document typically specifies what types of medical interventions or life-sustaining treatments the individual does or does not want, focusing primarily on situations involving critical or terminal conditions.

By indicating medical wishes when incapacitated, a living will ensures that healthcare providers and family members are aware of the individual's choices about end-of-life care, thereby relieving them of the burden of making difficult decisions during emotionally charged times. It serves as a clear directive that guides medical personnel and family in upholding the patient's values and preferences concerning their treatment.

In contrast to this, the other options do not fully capture the essence of what a living will entails. For instance, while an agent (such as a healthcare proxy) might be designated in a durable power of attorney for healthcare, it is not a focus of a living will. Refusal of medical intervention might be a part of the content, but the primary goal of a living will is broader—it defines the entirety of medical wishes. Mandatory treatment procedures would be contrary to the purpose of a living will, which seeks to respect individual autonomy and preferences regarding medical care.