advance directive

advance directive

Etymology: Fr, avancer, to move forward; L, dirigere, to direct

an advance declaration of treatment preferences in case a person is unable to communicate his or her wishes. See durable power of attorney for health care, living will.

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advance directive

Advance medical directive, self-determination Medical ethics Instruction(s) that provide a mentally competent person with a

Advance directive types

Living will,

in which the person outlines-usually in writing, specific treatment guidelines to be followed by health care providers

Health care proxy

Power of attorney for healthcare decision making, proxy to make the health care decisions. The person designates a trusted individual to make medical decisions in the event of inability to make such decisions

  vehicle for directing his/her own treatment in the event of serious illness and/or loss of mental ability to communicate those wishes; in an AD, the person indicates in advance, how treatment decisions are to be made with regard to the use of artificial life support. See DNR orders, Durable powers of attorney, Euthanasia, Living will.