Which of the following statements concerning living wills is correct?

• A. I. Many state statutes grant some immunity to health care providers who act in accordance with a patient's living will.
• B. II. A durable power of attorney for health care is the same as a living will.
• C. I only
• D. II only

Answer: (A)

Living wills express a patient’s preferences for end-of-life care as advance directives, and in many states the law provides some immunity to health care providers who follow those directives. A durable power of attorney for health care, on the other hand, designates someone to make medical decisions for the patient when they’re unable to, not merely recounting the patient’s wishes. Because of that distinction, the immunity statement is correct, while the claim that a durable power of attorney for health care is the same as a living will is not accurate. Some people use both tools together to ensure clear guidance from the patient and a trusted decision-maker if needed.