An advance directive is a legal document that makes your medical choices clear to follow.

This is important if you lose the ability to make these choices for yourself. It also lets you choose someone you know and trust to make decisions for you if you can't.

Having an advance directive may make it easier for you, your family and medical professionals, but it's not required. No one can force you to have one.

If you think you're ready to file an advance directive, talk to your doctor. They can help you understand what treatment decisions you may need to make in the future.

Your doctor can also talk to you about the power of attorney process so you can choose the right person to make health decisions for you.