In North Carolina, a living will is a legal document that tells others that you want to die a natural death if you: become incurably sick with an irreversible condition that will result in your death within a short period of time; are unconscious and your doctor determines that it is highly unlikely you will regain consciousness or have advanced dementia or a similar condition which results in a substantial cognitive loss and it is highly unlikely the condition can be reversed. In a living will, you direct your doctor not to use certain life-prolonging treatments such as breathing assistance (respirator or ventilator), or to stop giving you food and water through an IV or  feeding tube.

A MOST (Medical Order for Scope of Treatment) is a medical order followed in different settings such as in the home, nursing home, hospital, etc. A MOST form contains specific instructions for CPR and also addresses other end-of life care. While a MOST form is a medical order that your provider must sign, you or someone who is legally recognized to speak for you must also sign the form.

A Healthcare Power of Attorney is a legal document in which you name a person(s) as your health care agent(s) to make medical and mental health decisions for you if you become unable to decide for yourself. This document goes into effect when a physician states in writing that you cannot make or communicate health care choices.

An advance instruction for mental health treatment is a legal document informing physicians and mental health providers of what mental health treatments you would or would not if you should be unable to decide for yourself. This document can be a stand-alone document or combined with a health care power of attorney.