Which document is essential for ensuring that healthcare wishes are known if a patient becomes incapacitated?

A living will is an essential document for ensuring that a patient's healthcare wishes are known in the event they become incapacitated. This legal document allows individuals to outline their preferences regarding medical treatment and interventions, particularly in scenarios where they are unable to communicate their wishes, such as in a coma or severe cognitive impairment.

By specifying their desires about life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, and other critical healthcare decisions, the living will serves as a guide for healthcare providers and family members. This clarity can help prevent confusion or conflicts about what the patient would want, respecting their autonomy and ensuring that their wishes are honored.

Other documents mentioned do not serve the same purpose as a living will. A consent form is typically used to grant permission for specific medical treatments or procedures but does not address long-term healthcare wishes for incapacity. A health insurance policy covers the financial aspects of medical care but does not detail treatment preferences. The patient bill of rights outlines the rights patients have within the healthcare system but does not specify healthcare wishes in situations where a patient may not be able to speak for themselves.