Advance Directive

An advance directive is a legal document that provides instructions for your medical care if you become unable to make decisions for yourself due to illness or incapacity.

Advanced directives

• only go into effect if you cannot communicate your own wishes;
• can be changed or revoked at any time while you’re competent;
• should be reviewed periodically to ensure they still reflect your wishes;
• and should be shared with your doctor, designated health care proxy, and family members.

Examples of advanced-directive documents include:

• Living Will
• Durable Medical Power of Attorney
• Do Not Resuscitate Order
• Do Not Intubate Order
• Do Not Hospitalize Order
• Out-of-hospital Do Not Resuscitate Order
• POLST

The details of each document vary by state, so be sure to check local regulations.