A Virginia living will is known as an advance medical directive, advance directive form, a Virginia advance medical directive, or simply as an advance directive. It is a legal document. A Virginia living will is consulted by doctors and other medical providers in a health care facility if you are unable to make your own medical decisions because of a terminal condition, persistent vegetative state, or incurable injury. This document explains your wishes related to your medical care, even those related to your religious beliefs. Examples include how you feel about life-prolonging procedures such as artificial hydration and nutrition, the use of blood transfusions, and whether you have a do not resuscitate order (DNR). You may also want to include whether you wish to make an anatomical gift. You should include additional information that you want your family members and medical professionals to know about your care.
A Virginia living will also names a health care agent who will make your medical decisions for you. The appointment of an agent is an important aspect of the document. Without having appointed someone to make these decisions, a loved one would be appointed by law to make these decisions. It may not be someone you want to do this on your behalf. A Virginia living will must be signed by two witnesses. Once you complete your living will, you can place it on file with the Virginia Advance Directive Registry.
A Virginia living will is not the same as a power of attorney or a health care power of attorney. Even if either of these documents is durable, they cannot be used to make end-of-life decisions. For more information about how to use a power of attorney for decisions related to mental health, medical care, or personal property, seek legal advice.
§ 54.1-2981 through § 54.1-2993: A competent adult who is a Virginia resident can create a Virginia living will. After the document is created and executed, the declarant has the obligation of providing a copy of it to their physician so that it may be placed in their medical record for future reference.
When planning for the end of your life, you should also create a Virginia last will and testament so that decisions about your belongings and any minor children aren’t made by the probate court.
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