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

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

Lack of awareness is a problem across states that have tried to strengthen the role of mental health directives, said Dr. Marvin Swartz, a psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center who runs the national mental health advance directive center with Swanson.

From Seattle Times

“We lost our son because he lost hope … Hope is a huge aspect of a well utilized mental health advance directive because of that participatory element. That’s really the crux of it.”

From Seattle Times