Advance Directives
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
What are advance directives?
Advance directives are legal documents that state your wishes and plans for future medical care. These plans are made ahead of time in case you lose your ability to make decisions for yourself. Advance directives can apply to any medical decision, such as the treatments you want, and if you want to donate organs.
What are the types of advance directives?
There are many types of advance directives, and each state has rules about how to use them. You may choose a combination of any of the following:
- A living will is a written record of the treatment you want. You can also choose which treatments you do not want, which to limit, and which to stop at a certain time. This includes surgery, medicine, IV fluid, and tube feedings.
- Durable power of attorney for healthcare (DPAHC) is a written record that states who you want to make healthcare choices for you when you are unable to make them for yourself. This person, called a proxy, is usually a family member or a friend. You may choose more than 1 proxy.
- Do not resuscitate (DNR) orders are used in case your heart stops beating or you stop breathing. It is a request not to have certain forms of treatment, such as CPR. A DNR order may be included in other types of advance directives.
- Medical orders cover the care that you want if you are in a coma, near death, or unable to make decisions for yourself. You can list the treatments you want for each condition. Treatment may include pain medicine, surgery, blood transfusions, dialysis, IV or tube feedings, and a ventilator (breathing machine).
- A values history is a document with questions about your views, beliefs, and how you feel and think about life. This information can help others choose the care that you would choose.
Why are advance directives important?
An advance directive helps you communicate your medical care wishes in situations where you cannot express them. Advanced directives must be in writing. Spoken wishes can be misunderstood, or not followed. Treatments may be given even if you do not want them. Written care wishes are clearer and easier to follow. An advance directive may help your family to make difficult choices about your care.
How do I decide what to put in my advance directives?
- Make informed decisions and make sure you fully understand treatments or care you may receive. Think about the benefits and problems your decisions could cause for you or your family. Talk to healthcare providers if you have concerns or questions before you write down your wishes. You may also want to talk with your religious or spiritual advisor, or a social worker. Check your state laws to make sure that what you put in your advance directive is legal.
- Check all forms for mistakes before you sign and date them. You may need 2 witnesses to sign the forms. Witnesses cannot be your doctor or medical staff, your spouse, heirs or beneficiaries, people you owe money to, or your chosen proxy. Talk to your family, proxy, and healthcare providers about your advance directive. Give each person a copy, and keep one for yourself in a place you can get to easily. Do not keep it hidden or locked away.
- Review and revise your advance directive plans every year, and when you have life or health changes. You can revise your advance directive at any time, as long as you are able to make decisions. When you make changes, let your family, proxy, and healthcare providers know. Give each a new copy. Carry a wallet card that says you have advance directives.
Where can I find more information?
- American Academy of Family Physicians
11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
Leawood , KS 66211-2680
Phone: 1- 913 - 906-6000
Phone: 1- 800 - 274-2237
Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
- National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
1731 King Street, Suite 100
Alexandria , VA 22314
Phone: 1- 800 - 658-8898
Web Address: https://www.nhpco.org/
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and treatment options. You must also learn about advance directives and how they are used. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Further information
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