Legal Living Will Document for New York State

• Advance Directive: Similar to a Living Will, an advance directive outlines a person's preferences for medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate their wishes. It can include both the Living Will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document allows an individual to appoint someone else to make healthcare decisions on their behalf. While a Living Will specifies treatment preferences, the durable power of attorney grants decision-making authority to another person.
• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: A DNR order instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR if a person's heart stops or they stop breathing. This document is focused specifically on resuscitation efforts, unlike a Living Will, which covers a broader range of medical treatments.
• Healthcare Proxy: A healthcare proxy is a legal document that designates someone to make medical decisions for an individual if they are incapacitated. Like a durable power of attorney, it emphasizes the importance of having a trusted person to advocate for one's wishes.
• Post-Resuscitation Care Orders: These orders guide healthcare providers on the level of care a person wishes to receive after resuscitation efforts. They complement a Living Will by addressing care preferences following a medical emergency.
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): POLST is a medical order that reflects a patient's preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments. It is similar to a Living Will but is intended to be more actionable in emergency situations, ensuring that a patient’s wishes are honored promptly.

Guide to Filling Out New York Living Will

Completing the New York Living Will form is an important step in ensuring your healthcare preferences are documented. This process involves providing personal information and making decisions about your medical care in specific situations. Follow these steps carefully to fill out the form accurately.

1. Begin by downloading the New York Living Will form from a reputable source or obtain a physical copy from a healthcare provider.
2. Fill in your full name at the top of the form.
3. Provide your address, including city, state, and zip code.
4. Enter your date of birth to confirm your identity.
5. Identify a healthcare agent, if desired. This person will make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
6. Clearly state your preferences regarding medical treatment. This may include your wishes about life-sustaining treatment, resuscitation, and other specific medical interventions.
7. Review the completed form for accuracy and completeness.
8. Sign and date the form in the designated area. Ensure that you are of sound mind while signing.
9. Have the form witnessed by at least two individuals who are not related to you and who will not benefit from your estate.
10. Make copies of the signed form for your records and distribute them to your healthcare agent and primary care physician.