What is an advance health care directive?

An advance health care directive is a legal document that lets you make decisions about your health care if you are unable to do so due to an injury or illness. This document can include a living will, healthcare power of attorney, or both. In Arizona, a living will is a written document in which you document your wishes regarding medical treatments, and a healthcare power of attorney allows you to appoint someone who will make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself. A living will includes your preferences for medical treatments such as life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and artificial nutrition and hydration. It also includes your instructions on how to handle pain management and end-of-life care. The healthcare power of attorney is the person appointed to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. When creating a power of attorney, you have the opportunity to name a primary and an alternate person who will be responsible for your healthcare in case you are unable to make decisions. It is important to note that an advance health care directive does not take effect until it is determined by your doctor that you are no longer capable of making your own decisions. Advance health care directives are an important part of estate planning law and can be essential for ensuring that your wishes and preferences are carried out.

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What is an advance health care directive?

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