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]