Which statement correctly distinguishes a living will from a healthcare proxy?

Which statement correctly distinguishes a living will from a healthcare proxy?

• A. A living will designates someone to decide, while a healthcare proxy states treatment preferences
• B. A living will states treatment preferences, while a healthcare proxy designates someone to decide
• C. Both are the same document
• D. Both are not legally recognized

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that these two tools serve different purposes for medical decisions when you can’t speak for yourself. A living will is a directive that states your treatment preferences—what kinds of care you want or don’t want in situations like terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness. It does not name a person to decide. A healthcare proxy, on the other hand, designates a trusted person to make medical decisions for you when you lack capacity, using your values and prior wishes as guidance. Therefore, this distinction is best captured by saying a living will states treatment preferences, while a healthcare proxy designates someone to decide. The other options mix up roles or treat the documents as the same or not legally recognized, which isn’t accurate.

The main idea is that these two tools serve different purposes for medical decisions when you can’t speak for yourself. A living will is a directive that states your treatment preferences—what kinds of care you want or don’t want in situations like terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness. It does not name a person to decide. A healthcare proxy, on the other hand, designates a trusted person to make medical decisions for you when you lack capacity, using your values and prior wishes as guidance. Therefore, this distinction is best captured by saying a living will states treatment preferences, while a healthcare proxy designates someone to decide. The other options mix up roles or treat the documents as the same or not legally recognized, which isn’t accurate.