Your life and the life of your loved ones are important to us. Health First knows making of end of life decisions is a very difficult, personal and sensitive task, especially when deciding what to do if you lose the ability to make health care decisions for yourself. Having a Living Will and Health Care Surrogate can help ensure your end-of-life wishes are made known to your health care provider, family and friends. Medical decisions regarding your care should be made by you and your Living Will and Health Care Surrogate will help you communicate your wishes to your providers and family in situations where you would otherwise be unable to do.

What is a Living Will?

Every competent adult has the right to make a written declaration commonly known as a "Living Will." The purpose of this document is to direct the provision, the withholding or withdrawal of life prolonging procedures in the event one should have a terminal condition. The suggested form of this instrument has been provided by the Legislature within Florida Statutes Section 765.303. In Florida, the definition of "life prolonging procedures" has been expanded by the Legislature to include the provision of food and water to terminally ill patients.

What is the difference between a Living Will and a legal will?

A Living Will should not be confused with a person's legal will, which disposes of personal property on or after his or her death, and appoints a personal representative or revokes or revises another will.

For more information, please click here to learn more about Living Wills and Health Care Surrogates from Florida Statue 765.