A practical discussion of the use of these four key medical or health related documents. Living wills should address religious issues, guardianship, personal preferences for health and medical care, burial and funeral instructions and more. How should you use a medical directive and health care proxy or appointment? Who should you name as agent? How should the documents work together? Should you decline heroic measures? What does it mean? When might a simple HIPAA authorization for a named person (your agent) to access your medical records be appropriate. What about a health emergency affecting a minor child? An emergency child medical form may be vital. (A sample form is provided in the estate planning forms section of this website).