Which document allows a person to outline their wishes for medical treatment in advance?

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The document that allows a person to outline their wishes for medical treatment in advance is known as a living will. A living will specifically addresses the individual's preferences regarding medical treatment in situations where they may be unable to communicate those wishes themselves, particularly in the case of terminal illness or incapacitation.

A living will typically includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation efforts, and other medical interventions that the person may wish to refuse or accept. This ensures that healthcare providers and family members are aware of and can respect the individual's desires regarding their care, even when they cannot actively participate in the decision-making process.

While the other documents listed may relate to healthcare decision-making, they serve different purposes. A do not resuscitate order primarily instructs medical personnel to refrain from performing CPR in the event of cardiac arrest. A healthcare directive, often synonymous with an advance directive, is a broader term that can include various directives such as a living will and healthcare power of attorney. The medical power of attorney appoints someone else to make health decisions on behalf of the individual but does not necessarily outline the person's specific medical treatment wishes in advance. Thus, the living will is the most specific and appropriate choice for outlining an individual's medical treatment preferences ahead of time.

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