An advance directive is a legal document that states future health-care wishes, appoints a health-care decision-maker, or both.
In plain language, it lets a person plan ahead for medical decisions if they later cannot communicate or make decisions personally.
Why it matters
Advance directives matter because medical decisions can arise when a person is incapacitated. A clear document can guide family members, health-care providers, and appointed agents.
The term is closely connected to living wills and health-care proxies.
Where it appears
Advance directives appear in estate-planning files, hospital intake forms, elder-care planning, end-of-life planning, and family disputes over medical decisions.
Practical example
A person signs an advance directive naming a health-care agent and stating preferences about life-sustaining treatment if recovery is not expected.
How it differs from nearby terms
An advance directive differs from a living will because an advance directive may include appointment of a decision-maker as well as treatment preferences.
It also differs from a durable power of attorney, which often concerns financial or legal authority.
Related terms
Quick knowledge check
Question: What does an advance directive plan for?
Answer: Future health-care decisions if the person later cannot decide or communicate personally.