What is an advance directive?

An advance directive is a legal document that allows an individual to outline their preferences for medical care in the event that they become unable to communicate those wishes themselves. This document can specify what types of medical treatments the person wants or does not want, including life-sustaining procedures and palliative care options. The purpose of an advance directive is to ensure that a person's healthcare decisions are respected and followed when they are unable to express their choices due to incapacitation or severe illness.

The other options do not align with the specific definition of an advance directive. A document indicating someone's financial wishes, for instance, pertains to financial matters rather than medical care. An agreement between a patient and a healthcare provider usually involves a discussion of treatment plans or consent forms, which are separate from an advance directive. A patient’s vaccination record tracks immunizations received, which also does not relate to the medical care preferences outlined in an advance directive.