In a healthcare setting, what is a Living Will primarily associated with?

A Living Will is primarily associated with the documentation of a patient's preferences regarding medical treatment in situations where they are unable to communicate their decisions due to a medical condition, particularly at the end of life. It outlines the types of life-sustaining treatments a patient does or does not want.

While a Living Will often interacts with the role of a Power of Attorney or healthcare proxy, which represents the patient's interests and makes decisions on their behalf if they are incapacitated, the essence of a Living Will itself is about expressing the patient's wishes directly concerning their care. It serves to protect the patient's rights to make decisions about their health care based on their values and beliefs, particularly regarding end-of-life scenarios.

Therefore, the key aspect of a Living Will is its focus on the patient's rights, particularly in guiding healthcare teams in adhering to those preferences when the patient cannot advocate for themselves. This helps ensure that the patient's wishes are respected, aligning closely with the concept of autonomy in medical ethics.