What is a directive to physicians?

A directive to physicians is commonly known as a living will. It is a document that allows you to instruct your physician to withhold life-sustaining procedures. A person who has executed a directive to physicians should inform their doctor and request that the directive be made part of their medical records. A directive to physicians will not become effective until two physicians have certified in writing that the patient has an incurable or irreversible terminal condition and that the application of life-sustaining procedures would serve only to artificially prolong the moment of death. ... more