Advance care directive

Advance care directive is a legal document that specifies the type of medical and personal care you would want if you lose the ability to make and understand decisions. It is also known as a living will, personal directive, advance directive, or advance decision.

Definition

An Advance care directive is a legal document that outlines a person's wishes and preferences in regard to their future health care. It comes into effect only if the person becomes incapable of making their own decisions. This document is designed to ensure that health care providers respect a person's values and choices even when they are unable to communicate or make decisions.

Types of Advance Care Directives

There are two main types of advance care directives: living wills and durable power of attorney for health care.

Living Will

A Living will is a written, legal document that spells out the types of medical treatments and life-sustaining measures you want and don't want, such as mechanical breathing (respiration and ventilation), tube feeding or resuscitation.

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

A Durable power of attorney for health care is a legal document that names your health care proxy, who is someone you trust to make health decisions if you are unable to do so.

Importance of Advance Care Directives

Advance care directives are important as they ensure that a person's health care preferences are followed when they are unable to make decisions for themselves. They can provide a clear plan for health care providers and family members, reducing confusion and disagreements during a difficult time.

Legal Status

The legal status of advance care directives varies by country. In many jurisdictions, including the United States, they are legally binding, meaning that health care providers must follow the instructions outlined in the document. However, in some countries, they are not legally binding but are considered to be strong evidence of a person's wishes.

See Also

• Health care proxy
• Living will
• Durable power of attorney for health care