ADVANCE DIRECTIVE
advance directive. 1. A document that takes effect upon one’s incompetency and designates a
surrogate deci-sion-maker for healthcare matters. • The Uniform Health-Care Decision Act (1993)
states that the power of attorney for healthcare must be in writing and signed by the principal.
Unless otherwise stated, the authority is effective only upon a determination that the principal
lacks capacity, and it ceases to be effective once the principal regains his capacity. The agent must
make decisions in accordance with the principal’s relevant instructions, if there are any, or in the
principal’s best interests. — Also termed power of attorney for healthcare; healthcare proxy. See
POWER OF ATTORNEY; UNIFORM HEALTH-CARE DECISION ACT. 2. A legal document
explaining one’s wishes about medical treatment if one becomes incompetent or unable to
communicate. — Often shortened to directive. — Also termed medical directive; physician’s
directive; written directive. See NATURAL-DEATH ACT; PROXY DIRECTIVE. Cf. LIVING
WILL. 3.DO-NOT-RESUSCITATE ORDER . [Cases: Health 916.] [Blacks Law 8th]