Living will/advanced health care directive

A so-called "Living Will", "Medical Direction", "Advanced Health Care Directive" or similar document by whatever name is a voluntary statement outlining the types and conditions of medical care that the person would prefer in a given situation prior to requiring that care. A person can also nominate one or a number of substitute decision-makers to make decisions on their own behalf.

 

These documents set out a person's wishes in relation to treatment decisions in advance and generally identify when and under what conditions the directions are to take effect, and who is to have responsibility for substitute decision-making, and for what decisions.

 

Like an Enduring Guardianship, health-care directives can be revoked or changed at any time provided the person has the capacity to do so.