If you are admitted to the hospital, the hospital staff will probably talk to you about advance directives. A good advance directive describes the kind of treatment you would want for different levels of illness. For example, the directives would describe what kind of care you want if you have a critical illness, a terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness. Advance directives usually tell your doctor that you don't want certain kinds of treatment. However, they can also say that you want a certain treatment no matter how ill you are.
Advance directives can take many forms.
Laws about advance directives vary from state to state. You should be aware of your state laws regarding the scope and requirements that apply to advance directives. A living will is one type of advance directive. It only comes into effect when you are terminally ill. Being terminally ill generally means that you have less than 6 months to live.