Which document outlines preferences for end-of-life care?

A living will is a legal document that specifies an individual's preferences for end-of-life care, particularly regarding medical treatments they wish or do not wish to receive in scenarios where they are unable to communicate their decisions due to illness or incapacitation. This document typically addresses issues such as resuscitation efforts, life support, and other critical care options, allowing individuals to assert their wishes in alignment with their personal beliefs and values.

While a health care proxy involves appointing someone to make health care decisions on a person's behalf, it does not directly outline the specific preferences for treatment. A patient’s medical record contains comprehensive health information and treatment history rather than specific end-of-life care preferences. A discharge summary is a document that summarizes a patient's hospital stay and outlines follow-up care, but it does not focus on end-of-life choices. Therefore, the living will is the most appropriate document for articulating specific desires regarding end-of-life care.