What documentation is essential for decisions regarding a patient's end-of-life care?

The living will is essential for decisions regarding a patient's end-of-life care because it is a legal document that explicitly outlines a person's wishes about medical treatment in situations where they may no longer be able to communicate those wishes themselves. This document usually specifies the types of medical interventions a patient does or does not want, such as resuscitation efforts, mechanical ventilation, or other life-sustaining measures, helping healthcare providers to honor the patient’s preferences in critical situations.

While the patient’s medical history provides important information about their past and current health conditions, it does not clarify the patient's desires regarding end-of-life treatments. Insurance information is crucial for administrative purposes and coverage decisions, but it does not impact the medical choices to be made regarding the patient's care. Admission paperwork contains general information necessary for the hospital process but lacks details about the patient’s end-of-life preferences. Therefore, the living will is the most relevant document in guiding healthcare decisions aligned with the patient's values and choices at the end of their life.