POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE. In Illinois, each individual has the right to appoint an agent to make personal and health care decisions for the individual. See 755 ILCS 45/2-1, 4-1 (Illinois Power of Attorney Act). “[T]he principal may empower the agent to act throughout the principal’s lifetime, including during periods of disability, and have confidence that third parties will honor the agent’s authority at all times.” See 755 ILCS 45/2-1.

LIVING WILL DECLARATION FORM. Persons in Illinois “have the fundamental right to control the decisions relating to the rendering of their own medical care, including the decision to have death delaying procedures withheld or withdrawn in instances of a terminal condition.” See 755 ILCS 35/1 (Illinois Living Will Act). “[R]ights of patients may be respected even after they are no longer able to participate actively in decisions about themselves[.]” See 755 ILCS 35/1. Illinois recognizes “the right of a person to make a written declaration instructing his or her physician to withhold or withdraw death delaying procedures in the event of a terminal condition.” See 755 ILCS 35/1.

DECLARATION FOR MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT. In Illinois, an “adult of sound mind may make a declaration of preferences or instructions regarding mental health treatment. The preferences or instructions may include consent to or refusal of mental health treatment.” See 755 ILCS 43/10 (Mental Health Treatment Preference Declaration Act).