What is a legal document that expresses a person's wishes regarding life-prolonging measures in a terminal condition called?

The term that defines a legal document in which an individual outlines their wishes regarding life-prolonging measures in the event of a terminal condition is known as a living will. A living will explicitly states the type of medical treatment a person wishes to receive or not receive when they are unable to communicate their desires, typically in situations like terminal illnesses or irreversible comas.

This document is critical as it provides guidance to healthcare providers and family members about the patient's preferences, ensuring that their wishes are respected during some of the most challenging times regarding end-of-life care.

In contrast, the advance directive is a broader term that encompasses various documents, including living wills and healthcare proxies. While a healthcare proxy designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of an individual, a power of attorney is set up for broader financial or legal matters rather than specific medical wishes.