What are documents signed by a patient and witnesses that express the patient’s medical care wishes when incapacitated called?

Advance directives are legal documents that outline a patient's preferences regarding medical treatment in situations where they may become incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes. These documents can specify the kinds of medical procedures a patient does or does not want, thereby guiding healthcare providers and family members in making decisions that align with the patient's desires.

Advance directives often include various components, such as a living will—which specifically details the types of medical treatment desired or rejected—and can also cover other directives like a durable power of attorney for healthcare or designating a healthcare proxy. However, the term "advance directive" encompasses all such instructions, making it a comprehensive choice for expressing one's healthcare wishes in advance.

This clear and formal articulation of medical care preferences is crucial because it ensures that healthcare decisions reflect the patient’s values and wishes, especially in critical situations where they cannot advocate for themselves. It empowers patients to have control over their own healthcare, even when they are unable to communicate those wishes directly.