advance directive

American  

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.

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advance directive British  

noun

1. another name for living will

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Etymology

Origin of advance directive

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

For example, just 37% of solo agers 50 and older have a medical durable power of attorney or advance directive, according to the Society of Actuaries.

From MarketWatch

“I hear from people all the time that they get a call from the hospital saying, ‘You’re on this person’s advance directive,’ and they say, ‘What?” said Sara Zeff Geber, a solo ager and author of “Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers.”

From MarketWatch

Without a will or advance directive, his only living immediate relative, his brother, had signed a Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment agreement with two doctors to transition him off of life support.

From Slate

“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

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

From Seattle Times