Advance Directives: How to Document Your Health Care
Quick Facts
What is an advance directive?
Advance care planning is the process of thinking and talking about the care you would want if serious illness or injury left you unable to make or communicate decisions. An advance directive can document those preferences and, depending on local law, appoint a health care agent or proxy to speak on your behalf.
These documents can help clinicians and loved ones understand your values, but they do not replace conversations. Preferences may depend on the situation, and a decision-maker may need to interpret what you would want when a particular treatment or outcome was not addressed in the document.
How do you make an advance directive?
Consider what matters most to you in different health situations, including what abilities and quality of life you value. Discuss those preferences with family or friends and the person you may appoint as your agent. A clinician can help explain medical choices, while an attorney or local health department may clarify legal requirements.
Requirements vary: some places require witnesses, notarization, or specific forms. Give copies to your appointed decision-maker, health care team, and anyone else who may need them. Review the document after major life or health changes, and replace or update it when your wishes change, following the applicable local process.
Can you change an advance directive later?
Advance care planning is an ongoing conversation, not a one-time decision. A new diagnosis, change in relationships, or shift in personal priorities may lead you to reconsider your choices or appoint a different decision-maker. Tell the people involved when your preferences change so they are not relying on an outdated understanding.
Ask your health care team how to ensure the current document is available in your medical record, and remove or clearly replace older copies where possible. Because legal rules differ, check the requirements where you live before signing a new directive or revoking an earlier one.
Frequently Asked Questions
A living will is one kind of advance directive that describes treatment preferences. The term advance directive can also include a document naming a health care agent; names and legal definitions vary by location.
If you cannot make decisions, local laws and health care policies determine who may make decisions for you. Ask your health care team how decision-making works where you live and consider documenting your wishes in advance.
References
- National Institute on Aging. Advance Care Planning: Advance Directives for Health Care.
- National Institute on Aging. Advance Care Planning: Healthcare Directives.