What is the difference between a living will and a health care power of attorney?

Q: What is the difference between a living will and a health care power of attorney?

A: For all practical purposes a health care power of attorney gives the power to a proxy to make health care decisions in the event of your incapacity. The living will is an effective document once permanent comatose or death is imminent. Therefore, the health care power of attorney is a directive when normal life is possible beyond treatment. The living will, on the other hand, becomes effective once normal, healthy life is impossible after treatment of such disorders.