You are encouraged to discuss your personal values and wishes with your family, as well as your physician.

When considering this document, you should additionally consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable in this area of the law.

This document is designed to help you communicate your wishes about medical treatment at some time in the future when you are unable to make your wishes known because of illness or injury. These wishes are usually based on personal values.

In simple terms, in the event you are medically determined to have an irreversible condition or a terminal condition, and when death is imminent, this document allows you to pre-determine whether you want to be kept alive with all methods and treatments available to the medical providers, or if you wish to be allowed to die naturally, with only treatments given to you to keep you comfortable (e.g. free of pain, to the extent possible).

In addition to this advance directive, Texas law provides for two other types of directives that can be important during a serious illness. These are the Medical Power of Attorney and the Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate Order. You may also wish to complete a directive related to the donation of organs and tissues.