§44A-1-3. Advance directives.
The existence of a living will, medical power of attorney, durable power of attorney or other advance directive, duly executed by a person alleged to be a "protected person," as defined in section four of this article, or the prior appointment of a surrogate decisionmaker for the protected person may eliminate, limit or supersede the need for the assistance or protection of a guardian or conservator, and any person so appointed is to be the first preferred nominee for guardian or conservator, as set forth in section eight, article two of this chapter.

Note: WV Code updated with legislation passed through the 2012 1st Special Session