What is the difference between a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare?

A living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare serve distinct, yet complementary purposes in advance care planning. A living will explicitly details an individual's preferences regarding medical treatment in scenarios where they are unable to communicate their wishes due to illness or incapacity. This can include preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation efforts, and end-of-life care.

On the other hand, a durable power of attorney for healthcare designates a specific person or persons to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual in case they become unable to do so. This authorized decision-maker can interpret and make choices based on the individual’s values and prior discussions, which may not be covered fully by a living will.

The first choice accurately captures these distinctions, highlighting that the living will focuses on the treatment preferences for medical care, while the durable power of attorney appoints someone to act on the individual's behalf in healthcare matters. Therefore, this answer provides a clear understanding of the roles these documents play in healthcare decision-making.