Which pairing of documents would best cover end-of-life wishes and proxy designation?

• A. Living Will and Advanced Directive
• B. Durable Power of Attorney and HIPAA Authorization
• C. Living Will and HIPAA Authorization
• D. Durable Power of Attorney and Advanced Directive

Answer: (A)

This question tests understanding of documents that communicate end-of-life treatment preferences and appoint a decision-maker. A living will clearly states what medical treatments you would or would not want if you’re unable to speak for yourself at the end of life, shaping decisions about life-sustaining measures. An advanced directive is the document that typically designates a healthcare proxy or agent to make medical decisions on your behalf when you can’t, ensuring your wishes are carried out by someone you trust. Together, these two pieces cover both what you want and who should decide, which is why this pairing best fits the scenario.

The other options miss one side or the other: a durable power of attorney focuses on appointing a decision-maker but doesn’t inherently specify end-of-life treatment preferences; a HIPAA authorization handles privacy and access to medical records rather than decision-making about treatment; and a combination of a living will with HIPAA authorization lacks the designated agent to implement those wishes, while durable power of attorney with an advanced directive may be less explicit about end-of-life preferences in a way that a dedicated living will provides.