What is a living will or patient advocate?

A living will or patient advocate is a common term used to describe what is know as Designation of Patient Advocate ("DPA") under Michigan law. A DPA is a legal document that allows a person over the age of 18 to appoint an agent to make decisions and exercises powers concerning care, custody, and medical or mental health treatment. The DPA only becomes effective when the patient is unable to participate in his or her medical or mental health treatment decisions because of illness or disability.