Your instructions to doctors, written before you need them.
An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical care. You complete this paperwork while you are healthy and able to make your own decisions. It acts as a guide for your medical team if you ever become too ill or injured to speak for yourself. These instructions ensure that your personal values dictate your treatment plan.
A key part of this document is naming a healthcare proxy. This is the person you choose to make medical decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to do so. Your proxy should be someone you trust who understands your specific wishes. You should discuss your values with this person thoroughly before naming them in your document.
Your directive may include a living will, which describes the types of medical interventions you want or do not want. This often covers life-sustaining treatments like mechanical ventilation to help you breathe or artificial nutrition and hydration. Being specific helps doctors avoid guesswork during high-pressure situations in the emergency room. You can update or cancel these choices at any time.
A document in a desk drawer does not help doctors who do not know it exists. You must provide copies to your primary care physician and the person you named as your proxy. If you are admitted to a hospital, bring a copy with you during the registration process. This ensures that the clinical team has your instructions on file immediately.