Advance Directive
/ˈædvɑːns daɪˈrɛktɪv/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal document in which a person specifies their preferences for medical treatment should they become incapacitated and unable to communicate.
The patient completed an advance directive to ensure their healthcare wishes were respected.
Forms
- advance directive
- advance directives
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Advance directives are crucial in health law for guiding medical decisions when patients lack capacity; precise drafting helps avoid ambiguity in treatment preferences.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.