Medical Directive Comparison

 

Living Will

Medical Power of Attorney

1. 3rd party available to enforce wishes

NO

YES

2. Law obligates physicians to follow

NO

YES

3. Physician relieved of liability, ethical duty

NO

YES

4. Allows termination of life if non-terminal illness (not die within one year)

NO

YES

5. Revocable

YES

YES

6. Court enforce

MAYBE

MOST LIKELY

7. Based on medical technology as of date prepared

YES

NO

8. Enforced if 3rd part unavailable

YES

NO

9. Enforceable in most of states

PROBABLY DEPENDS ON STATE

10. Allows non-life sustaining decisions to be made

NO

YES