Advance Statement/Directive

Advance Statement/Directive

Any affirmation of an adult’s wishes in the event of certain adverse circumstances—e.g., mental incapacitation—which would leave instructions to refuse some or all medical treatment or requests for only certain types of treatment. Advance statements/directives are made by adults at a time when they have capacity to decide for themselves about the treatments they wish to accept or refuse during circumstances in the future when they are no longer able to make decisions or communicate their preferences.