A Health Care Directive is a type of Advance Directive that tells your doctor and your family members what kind of care you would like to have if you become unable to make medical decisions. It's called an "advance directive" because you choose your medical care before you become seriously ill.

Unlike most living wills, a Health Care Directive is not limited to cases of "terminal illness." If you cannot make or communicate decisions because of a temporary or permanent illness or injury, a Health Care Directive helps you keep control over health care decisions that are important to you. In your Health Care Directive, you state your wishes about any aspect of your health care, including decisions about life-sustaining treatment.