Living will vs. power of attorney: what's the difference

A living will and a medical power of attorney are the two halves of an advance directive. They are often confused because they are almost always written together. The difference is simple: one states your wishes, the other names the person to carry them out.

What does the living will cover?

A living will is a statement of your wishes — the treatment you do and do not want if you cannot decide. It is specific and written down.

What does the medical power of attorney cover?

A medical power of attorney names a person — your healthcare agent — to make decisions for you. Where the living will is a set of wishes, the agent is the person who interprets and applies them.

Together they form a complete advance directive — your wishes on paper, and a trusted person to speak for you. The forms on this site give you both.