For example, imagine you are in a hospital with the terminal stages of cancer and are confused. Who should decide whether you have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart should stop suddenly? Or what if you are 40 years old and are involved in a motor vehicle accident which leaves you permanently unconscious. Who will decide if you are to be kept alive with tube feedings? Or what if you are in a nursing home with Alzheimer's Disease and you develop a serious infection. Who will decide whether or not you will be hospitalized and treated with antibiotics?

In the above situations and others like them you can remain in charge of your health care by completing legal documents called "advance directives" which describe the treatment you would want to receive should you be unable to make your own decisions at the time.

West Virginia law now recognizes two advance directives: the Living Will and the Medical Power of Attorney. You can use these documents to direct your future health care and to let your family and doctor know what treatments you would want if you become unable to participate in health care decisions for yourself.

1. What is a Living Will?
A Living Will is a legal document that instructs your doctor not to use life-sustaining treatment if you are terminally ill. It directs your doctor to provide only those treatments that will allow you to die naturally with the use of measures to relieve pain and provide comfort.