Which document outlines an individual's healthcare wishes and decisions for end-of-life care?

The document that outlines an individual's healthcare wishes and decisions for end-of-life care is known as Advance Directives. This encompasses a range of guidelines, including both Living Wills and Healthcare Proxies, to communicate individual preferences about medical treatment and end-of-life choices when they are unable to voice those decisions themselves. Advance Directives are meant to ensure that a person's wishes regarding their medical care are honored, providing clarity to healthcare providers and family members during challenging times.

While a Living Will specifically details the types of medical treatment an individual desires or wishes to avoid, and a Healthcare Proxy designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual, both are components of the broader category of Advance Directives. A Power of Attorney, although used in healthcare contexts, typically refers to legal authority granted to manage a person's financial or legal affairs, not exclusively for healthcare decisions. Thus, the term Advance Directives is the most comprehensive and appropriate choice for this question.