Final answer:
A living will or advance directive is the legal document that specifies which life-saving procedures a patient consents to if they're unable to communicate their wishes, and may also include a DNR order and appoint a health care proxy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legal document that states the life-saving procedures a patient authorizes in the event they are incapable of verbalizing their desires for medical treatment is known as a living will or advance directive. These documents can include specific instructions such as a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order, which indicates that medical personnel should not undertake reviving measures if the patient's breathing or heartbeat stops. Additionally, a living will may appoint a health care proxy, authorizing a designated individual to make medical decisions on the patient's behalf if they are unable to communicate. This form of a legal document is particularly vital for individuals who are terminally ill or in a state where they cannot make their medical decisions known.