Advance Directive

You know this term as a "living will." It is a legal document stating the manner in which a person wants their care to be handled in the event they are unresponsive.

Examples include a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) directive, or instructions not to "pull the plug" if the patient is on life support.

Importantly, the Advanced Directive can only be applied after (A) it is signed in front of a witness and (2) a doctor examines a patient (i.e., EMTs appearing at the scene of a medical emergency are not bound by the living will and, in fact, are obligated to assist). So, if this is of interest to you, dear reader, handle it while you're still conscious with friends/witnesses around and be sure to revise it whenever your wishes warrant updating.

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