This report was written for policymakers, health care professionals, attorneys, social workers, members of the clergy, and others who counsel patients and their families or who advocate on behalf of the elderly. It was developed to facilitate the use of advance directives, such as "living wills" and durable powers of attorney, and to encourage communication between those who write directives and those who must carry them out. Chapter I explains why it is important to know how to plan ahead for decisions about health care and the problems that can arise in the absence of advance planning. Chapter II describes traditional approaches to health care decision making, such as the informed consent of the patient, family consent, and court proceedings for guardianship or conservatorship. Chapter III describes more recent approaches, known as advance directives, and explains the advantages and disadvantages of "living wills" and durable powers of attorney. It also provides basic information about federal and state laws and discusses the donation of anatomical gifts. Chapter IV presents a bibliography and chapter V gives a list of resources designed to assist the reader in obtaining additional information through further reading or by contacting one of the organizations listed. Chapter VI is a checklist for advisors. Twelve appendixes making up about half the document include living will legislation and a sample declaration, sample statutory forms for durable power of attorney, transcripts of other relevant legislation, and policy statements of three major medical, health care, and hospital associations. (NB)