What is an advance health care directive?

An advance health care directive (AHCD) is a legal document that allows you to dictate your wishes regarding your health care and end-of-life decisions in the event you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions for yourself. An AHCD is also known as a ‘living will’ in Maryland. In this document, you can name a person (your agent) who will make decisions on your behalf and outline particular healthcare wishes, such as if and when you would like to be given medical treatments like artificial nutrition and hydration or artificial respiration. It can also include instructions on how to handle your finances, including your funeral arrangements. AHCDs are an important part of estate planning in Maryland because they help to guarantee that your wishes for your health care and end-of-life decisions are followed, even if you are unable to express them yourself.

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What is an advance health care directive?

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