A “living will” and a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) are important documents that guide medical decisions if you’re unable to make them yourself. However, they serve different purposes and have key distinctions.
Living Will
In Virginia and Maryland, a “living will” is part of an advanced medical directive, allowing adults to outline their medical preferences if they become unable to communicate. This written directive, signed by the individual with two witnesses present, specifies the type of medical care desired or not desired, such as life-sustaining treatment in situations like a coma. It’s crucial to appoint a trusted agent, either within the directive or as a separate Health Care Proxy document, to ensure your wishes are followed. Without such directives, medical decisions may fall to family members based on a set priority list outlined in state law. Creating a “living will” and a Health Care Proxy ensures your preferences are honored and eases the burden on your loved ones.
Do Not Resuscitate
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) is a separate document that specifies medical professionals should not attempt resuscitation in the event of a medical emergency, like a heart attack. A DNR is not created by an attorney. Instead, it is instead a standing doctor’s order. To obtain a DNR, individuals should speak to their doctors.
In summary, while both documents address medical preferences, a “living will” outlines broader treatment wishes, whereas a DNR is focused on resuscitation instructions for specific emergencies. Mathews Law will work with you to create an Advanced Medical Directive as part of the estate planning process. Taking the time to create this document can offer comfort and clarity as you navigate the complexities of healthcare decisions.
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