advance directive

noun

1. a living will or durable power of attorney in which a person states their wishes regarding medical treatment in the event of mental incompetency or an inability to communicate.

advance directive

noun

1. another name for living will

Word History and Origins

Origin of advance directive¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

“We’re compatible and we love each other … and have the same interests — fighting for people’s rights,” said Dorio, who, along with Clough, pushed for legislation — signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom — giving families more authority to determine medical decisions for loved ones even in the absence of an advance directive.

From Los Angeles Times

His words, written as part of a so-called mental health advance directive, hold legal weight.

From Seattle Times

And like Washington, many states have struggled to implement their psychiatric advance directive laws.

From Seattle Times

He realized that an advance directive written at a time when a person was competent was a potential alternative to compulsory care.

From Seattle Times

Swanson recently encountered a woman with schizoaffective disorder who wrote on her mental health advance directive that she was willing to be hospitalized and that electroconvulsive therapy was the only treatment that worked when she was in crisis.

From Seattle Times