What is a 'living will' in the context of healthcare?

A 'living will' is a legal document that plays a pivotal role in healthcare decisions, particularly in scenarios where an individual is unable to communicate their preferences due to severe illness or incapacitation. This document explicitly outlines a person's wishes concerning medical treatments and interventions, such as resuscitation efforts, artificial nutrition and hydration, and other life-sustaining measures.

The significance of a living will lies in its ability to guide healthcare providers and family members in making informed decisions that align with the individual's values and preferences when they are unable to express themselves. This ensures that a patient's autonomy is respected, even in challenging medical circumstances. In contrast, the other choices, while related to healthcare, do not capture the specific purpose and function of a living will. Choices related to medication lists, reporting medical errors, or guidelines for health professionals do not address the critical aspect of patient consent and autonomy in medical treatment decisions during incapacitation.