Advance directive

An advance directive is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions due to illness or incapacity. It provides guidance to healthcare professionals and family members about the individual's preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care.

Types of Advance Directives

There are several types of advance directives, including:

• Living will: A document that outlines the types of medical treatments and life-sustaining measures an individual wants or does not want, such as mechanical ventilation, resuscitation, and tube feeding.
• Durable power of attorney for healthcare: A legal document that designates another person (known as a healthcare proxy or agent) to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual if they are unable to do so.
• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order: A medical order written by a doctor that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if the patient's breathing or heart stops.

Purpose

The primary purpose of an advance directive is to ensure that an individual's healthcare preferences are known and respected in situations where they cannot communicate their wishes. This can help prevent unnecessary or unwanted medical interventions and reduce the burden on family members who might otherwise have to make difficult decisions without guidance.

Legal Considerations

Advance directives are legally recognized in many countries, but the specific requirements and regulations can vary. It is important for individuals to ensure that their advance directive complies with local laws and is properly executed. In some jurisdictions, advance directives must be witnessed or notarized to be legally valid.

Implementation

To implement an advance directive, individuals should:

1. Discuss their healthcare preferences with their family, healthcare providers, and designated healthcare proxy. 2. Complete the appropriate advance directive forms, ensuring they meet legal requirements. 3. Distribute copies of the completed advance directive to their healthcare proxy, family members, and healthcare providers. 4. Review and update the advance directive periodically to reflect any changes in preferences or circumstances.

Related Pages

• Living will
• Durable power of attorney for healthcare
• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order
• Healthcare proxy
• End-of-life care
• Medical ethics