A living will, also called a declaration or directive, lets an individual leave written instructions about the kinds of medical treatment they would or would not want to have. The medical power of attorney or health care proxy is a document appointing someone to make medical decisions for the patient. A 1991 law called The Patient Self Determination Act requires hospitals and nursing homes to tell patients about their right to refuse medical treatment. But for many reasons compliance has been spotty. A patient may also want to decline radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy if they are in advanced stages of cancer.
People can put anything in their advance directives.
One patient wrote that he wanted to have someone pray for him if he was dying. Some people list every medical intervention they do not want, while others want to make clear their request for heroic measures at any cost. A living will isn't just for people who want to avoid being sustained indefinitely on mechanical life support. It is a way to spell out personal wishes. They have prepared a home guide that walks individuals through the process of compiling a living will and deciding what medical interventions are important.