What is a Living Will? - A Living Will names a person who will make the decision to withhold life support systems in the event two doctors have determined that you a mentally and physically incapacitated and have a terminal condition or are in a persistent vegetative state. You should also name at least one alternate person in the event the first person is unable to make the decision for whatever reason.
What is a Declaration of Health Care Surrogate? – A Declaration of Health Care Surrogate names the person who will make medical and health care decisions for you and have access to your medical records in the event you are incapacitated either temporarily or permanently. For example, if you were in an accident and temporarily unable to make decisions about health care, your surrogate could make those decisions for you. Once you regained your capacity you would take over making decisions. Or, if you suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and become permanently incapacitated, your surrogate can make decisions concerning your health care. You should name at least one alternate person in the event the first person is unable to make decisions for you for whatever reason.