Advance directives
What is a living will?
In North Carolina, a living will is a document that tells others that you want to die a natural death if you are terminally and incurably sick or in a persistent vegetative state from which you will not recover. In a living will, you can direct your doctor not to use extraordinary means that would delay your dying.
Example: Using a breathing machine (respirator or ventilator), or to stop such treatments if they have been started. You can also direct your doctor not to begin or to stop giving you food and water through a tube (artificial nutrition or hydration).
What is a healthcare power of attorney (healthcare agent)?
In North Carolina, you can name a person to make medical care decisions for you, including mental health treatment decisions, if you later become unable to decide yourself. This person is called your healthcare agent. In the legal document you name who you want your agent to be. You can say what medical treatments you would or would not want. Your agent then knows what choices you would make.
Where can I get more information?
Ask our front desk receptionist.
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