A healthcare directive is a written instrument which designates someone, or more than one person, to make medical decisions for you if you are not able to do so. This does not apply to emergency situations where healthcare providers will take whatever steps to save your life and stabilize you. However, if you are unable to communicate with your physician, your attorney-in-fact is authorized to communicate with your healthcare providers and make decisions regarding what type of medical treatment you receive, who provides that medical treatment, and where that medical treatment is delivered.