An advance health care directive is a kind of legal document that tells your doctor your wishes about your health care. Advance directives can be general, with very few directions about your care, such as a basic power of attorney for health care. The directive may just name a substitute person (proxy) to make these decisions for you if you are unable to do so. Or it may include instructions along with the proxy selection.

Advance directives can also be very detailed and clearly outline the different types of life-sustaining treatments you would accept or refuse in certain situations, such as in a living will. Some types of advance directives are limited to certain situations, like the living will, organ or tissue donation, or your wishes not to be revived (resuscitated) if your heart or breathing stops. No matter which kind you use, no one will be able to control your money or other property based on your advance health care directive. It may also help to know that you can also change or revoke (take back) these directives at any time.

Last Medical Review: 06/15/2009
Last Revised: 06/15/2009