a document that states, in advance, your specific instructions about the type of health care you want if you develop a terminal illness or contract a life - threatening injury
a legal document detailing your wishes in the event you are unable to make them known yourself
a legal document that allows you to state your choices for medical treatment before you actually need such care
a witnessed written document signed by a competent adult giving instructions on any aspect of his or her healthcare including the utilization of life prolonging procedures
a written instruction about the provision of health care or power of attorney in the event an individual can no longer make his or her wishes known
Generally, an advanced directive is a written document you prepare stating how you want medical decisions made if you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. The two most commonly prepared advanced directives are: a "Living Will"; and a "Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care."
A written document stating how you want medical decisions made for you if you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. The two most common advance directives are living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care.