What is a Living Will?

A Living Will, or Health Care Directive, is a legal document in which you state your wishes about certain types of medical treatments and life prolonging procedures in the event death is imminent. This directive will dictate the conditions under which life support systems may be withdrawn and limitations regarding administration of adequate pain medications. Each state has its own statutory version of this document. If you move to a new state, you should update your Living Will or Health Care Directive to conform to that state’s legal requirements.