What are "advance directives" in medical law?

Advance directives are crucial legal documents that provide clear instructions regarding a person's medical treatment preferences in situations where they cannot communicate their wishes due to incapacitation or illness. These directives serve to ensure that healthcare providers respect the individual's decisions about their care based on their personal values and beliefs.

Typically, advance directives may include a living will, which specifies the types of medical treatments an individual does or does not want, and a durable power of attorney for healthcare, which designates a person to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. This is particularly important in end-of-life care scenarios or when a patient is in a critical condition. By having such directives in place, patients can have peace of mind knowing that their preferences will be honored, and family members are guided in making critical healthcare decisions in alignment with the person’s wishes.