RJP Estate Planning Blog

What’s the Difference Between a Medical Power of Attorney, a Living Will, and a DNR in Arizona?

Short answer: a Medical Power of Attorney names who decides, a Living Will says what you want, and a DNR tells responders not to start CPR.

Quick answer

  • Medical Power of Attorney (HCPOA): You pick an agent to make health decisions if you cannot. See A.R.S. § 36-3221.
  • Living Will: Your written treatment choices for serious illness or end-of-life care. Your agent and doctors use it as a guide.
  • DNR / Prehospital Medical Care Directive: Orders EMS and ER staff to withhold CPR if your heart or breathing stop. See A.R.S. § 36-3251.

What each document does

Medical Power of Attorney

Names the decision-maker and gives them legal authority when you cannot speak.

Your agent talks with doctors, reviews records, and approves or declines care according to your wishes. Arizona allows you to choose backups and to limit or expand powers. Signing requires a witness or a notary. See A.R.S. § 36-3221. For a plain-English overview, visit Powers of Attorney.

Real-life case snapshot

A Phoenix family arrived at the hospital after a stroke. No HCPOA was on file, so staff followed default surrogate rules and called relatives in order. Disagreement stalled treatment choices for hours. Families with a signed HCPOA generally avoid these delays. National data show that many adults still do not complete directives, which contributes to difficult decisions in emergencies. See the U.S. GAO report on advance directives.

Living Will

Spells out your care preferences so your agent and doctors are not guessing.

Typical topics include feeding tubes, ventilators, pain control, and comfort care in terminal or irreversible conditions. You can attach a Living Will to your HCPOA so your agent follows your written directions. For background on how your overall plan fits together, see Wills Explained and Living Trusts Explained.

Set Up Your Medical Decision-Makers Today

Choose the right agent, add a Living Will, and avoid confusion in an emergency.

Free Consultation

DNR / Prehospital Medical Care Directive

Tells EMS and ER staff not to start CPR if your heart or breathing stop.

Arizona’s DNR is a specific, bright-colored directive. It applies during cardiac or respiratory arrest and is honored by EMS, ER personnel, and certain licensed care staff. It does not stop comfort care. See A.R.S. § 36-3251.

Is a DNR the same as a Living Will?

No. A Living Will guides overall treatment preferences. A DNR is a narrow medical order about CPR. Many people have a Living Will and an HCPOA. Fewer need a DNR, which is usually for serious illness or advanced age after a conversation with a physician.

How these documents work together

  • Start with people: Name an agent and backups in your Medical Power of Attorney.
  • Give guidance: Attach a Living Will so your agent knows your wishes.
  • Add only if needed: Consider a DNR after a direct talk with your doctor.
  • Store and share: Keep copies with family and your physicians. Ask your providers about Arizona’s directives registry for access during emergencies.

Signing basics and common pitfalls

  1. Sign your HCPOA with a witness or a notary, and avoid naming paid caregivers as witnesses. See A.R.S. § 36-3221.
  2. Keep your Living Will consistent with your HCPOA. Tell your agent what matters most to you.
  3. Only complete a DNR after you understand when it applies. Doctors and EMS follow it during arrest. See A.R.S. § 36-3251.

Quick FAQs

Are out-of-state documents valid in Arizona?

Hospitals generally honor valid out-of-state directives. If your forms are old or unclear, signing Arizona-specific documents avoids delays.

What happens if there is no HCPOA?

Providers look for a directive, then turn to Arizona’s surrogate priority list. Families often face delays and conflict. Naming an agent now is simpler for everyone.

Should I name the same person for medical and financial decisions?

Many people do. Others split roles to match strengths. Learn about the financial side in Powers of Attorney.

Next steps

  • Choose your agent and one backup. Use our page on Powers of Attorney to get started.
  • Write a short Living Will. Keep it simple and clear. Review each year.
  • Talk with your doctor before completing any DNR order.
  • If you want privacy and control for finances too, read Living Trusts Explained.

Attend a Free Workshop

Learn how Medical POAs, Living Wills, and DNRs fit into a simple plan you can finish in days.

View Events