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 • Jan. 21, 2026

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 • Dec. 8, 2025

In Washington, people who fill out a mental health advance directive can list medications they prefer, and physicians or hospitals where they’d like to be treated.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2024

The state could help promote choice and reduce coercion by ensuring that all conservatees have a chance to fill out a psychiatric advance directive, making their preferences clear to all the professionals serving them.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2023

She watched him for another moment as his body relaxed and his breathing slowed, and then she quietly packed up her medical bag and put away the advance directive for another time.

From New York Times • May 13, 2023