An Advanced Health Care Directive (see other terms below) is the same as a Living Will. Which term is used often depends on which state you live.
Advanced care directives allow patients to make their own decisions regarding the care they would prefer to receive if they develop a terminal illness or contract a life-threatening injury.
Advanced care directives are also used to designate a trusted friend or family member to make decisions about medical care, if the patient becomes unable to make (or communicate) these decisions.
Also Known as: Advanced Healthcare Directive, Advanced Health Care Directives, Healthcare Directives, Health Care Directives, Living Will, Advance Planning, Advanced Care Planning, Medical Power of Attorney, Power of Attorney
Sources:
ADAM's Illustrated Health Encyclopedia. Advanced Directives. At:
http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/001908.htm
Legacy Writer. Health Care Directive. At: http://www.legacywriter.com/livingwill2.asp#
