What is an advance health care directive?

An advance health care directive, also known as a living will, is a legal document in Alaska allowing you to make decisions about your health care ahead of time. The advance health care directive sets out your wishes for medical treatments and other end-of-life care, such as organ donation, and appoints someone to make health care decisions for you if you no longer can. In Alaska, an advance health care directive must be in writing, signed by you (or by someone else in your presence and at your direction) and witnessed by two people who are aged 18 or older and are not related to you. These witnesses must sign your document in your presence. An advance health care directive in Alaska is part of a comprehensive estate plan. It is an important way to ensure you receive the kind of medical care you want, even if you can’t make decisions or communicate them to your doctor. Your directive will also make it easier for your doctor and family members to agree on the kind of care you want. Creating an advance health care directive is one of the most important steps in estate planning. It allows you to make decisions about your own medical care in areas such as pain control, organ donation, and end-of-life care. This document will ensure your wishes are respected if you are unable to make decisions on your own.

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What is an advance health care directive?

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