Health Care Proxy.  The health care proxy is used to appoint an individual (or individuals) to make health care decisions for you in the event that you are unable to do so yourself.  In the event of your incapacity or incompetence, as determined by your physician, your healthcare agent would be authorized to make any decisions regarding your healthcare treatment that you could have made yourself if competent.  For instance, if you wish to have artificial life support terminated in the event that you are unconscious and there is no reasonable hope for your recovery, you may authorize your agent to direct medical personnel to discontinue any treatments which would unnecessarily prolong your life.


Living Will.  A living will is used to express your wishes regarding your healthcare and may be used to evidence your intention to have artificial life support terminated.