When you put your health care wishes in writing, your loved ones know what your preferences are and who you want to make those decisions.

A health care directive is a legal document that allows you to name another person (your "Health Care Agent") to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. Such a document also allows you to have control over what happens to you, even if you cannot speak or are unconscious, and to let others know your health care wishes.

There are a variety of "powers" that can be given to a Health Care Agent related to an individual's care, including choosing health care providers and whether to seek a second opinion from another doctor. In some cases, the Agent will also be responsible for end-of-life instructions and for what decisions should be made for a person who falls into a persistent vegetative state.