What does a living will specify?

A living will is a legal document that outlines an individual's preferences regarding medical treatment and interventions in scenarios where they may become unable to communicate their wishes due to illness or incapacity. This document is crucial for ensuring that healthcare providers and family members understand what types of medical procedures, such as resuscitation or life-support measures, the individual desires or refuses. By specifying these preferences, the living will directly addresses the patient's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own healthcare, even when they are not in a position to express those wishes.

The other options address related topics but do not pertain specifically to the purpose of a living will. Financial decisions, burial preferences, and emergency contacts are certainly important aspects of advance planning but are addressed through different documents, such as powers of attorney or advance directives. These distinctions clarify that while a living will focuses on medical interventions, the other areas are typically managed through separate legal instruments, highlighting the unique role of the living will in health care decision-making.