What is an advance health care directive?

An advance health care directive, also known as a living will, is an important legal document that allows individuals to plan for their long-term health care needs in Massachusetts. This document gives an individual the ability to set out their health care preferences in the event that they become incapacitated and unable to make those decisions for themselves. An advance health care directive allows individuals to choose a healthcare agent, or an individual who has the authority to make decisions on their behalf. These decisions can include selecting a doctor, consenting to medical treatment, and making decisions around end-of-life care. This document also allows individuals to express their wishes for life support measures in the event of a terminal illness. Developing an advance health care directive is an important part of estate planning law in Massachusetts. This document allows individuals to set out their wishes in advance, eliminating the need for family members or friends to guess what those wishes would be in the event of an emergency. This document is legally binding and should be reviewed and updated regularly, especially if an individual’s health care needs change.

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What is an advance health care directive?

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