What is the difference between a living will and a power of attorney for health care?

A living will and a durable power of attorney for health care are the two main types of advance directives, and they do different jobs.

A living will is a document used to state whether or not you would like to receive certain types of medical care if you become unable to speak for yourself. Common examples include the use of machines to keep you alive, "do not resuscitate" (DNR) orders, tube feeding, withholding food and fluids, and organ and tissue donation.

A durable power of attorney for health care is a document that lets you name another person to make decisions about your medical care if you are unable to make them yourself. It is also called a health care proxy or medical power of attorney, and the person named may be called a health care agent, surrogate, or proxy. Many people complete both types so that their wishes and their chosen decision-maker are clear.