Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates (TX)

A living will, sometimes called a "directive" or "health care instructions," is a written legal document that describes your wishes for future medical decisions in case you can no longer make or communicate decisions for yourself. This document is specifically meant to address issues of life support and end-of-life care but could also include information about common medical treatments you would or would not want, preferences for organ donation, and what you consider an acceptable quality of life.

Communicating your wishes in a legal document will ease the burden on your loved ones as they'll be certain about your wishes and can make sure you get the care you want. This important part of your advance care planning must be completed before you are incapacitated or impaired.