Advance directives

Definition

• Legally binding instructions regarding patient's own health care
• Considered determinative for giving consent/refusal for treatment
• Takes priority over family's/friends' preferences

Requirements

• Patient is competent at time directive is prepared
• Enacted only when patient lacks capacity for decision-making

Types

• Living will: written document with consent/refusal of specific services
• Health care proxy: designation of a surrogate decision maker