This national survey examined the knowledge and use of the living will among 494 family physicians of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 39 jurisdictions with living will statutes. The findings revealed a positive relationship between physician knowledge of the living will and its clinical use. Additionally, a positive relationship between physician knowledge and willingness to initiate discussions on the document with patients was found. The implications of these findings, as related to disclosure of the living will in the informed consent process, is discussed.