Why do I need to fill out an advance directive?

An advance directive (also called a living will) allows you to express what values, quality of life, and care options are important to you. It also helps identify who you would want to speak for you if you aren't able to make your own medical decisions. If you are in a condition where you aren't able to make medical decisions, this document is important to ensure you get the type of treatment that you would want. Whether that might be no medical intervention, all the medical interventions, or somewhere in between, this document allows you to tell your doctors and loved ones what matters to you.