What is a Living Will and Health Care Representative?
Answer: A Living Will is a document in which you can direct medical personnel to withhold or withdraw life support systems in the event of a terminal illness or a state of permanent unconsciousness (i.e., a coma). All life support systems can be withheld, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), artificial respiration and artificial means of providing nutrition and hydration. Connecticut has a standard form for this directive and you should use this form with as little modification as possible. The Health Care Representative is the person that you authorize to implement your wishes under your Living Will when you can no longer speak for yourself and to make all other health care decisions on your behalf.