An advance decision is a legally binding statement made by an individual to refuse specific medical treatments in the future, in case they lose the capacity to make or communicate decisions. Also known as a “living will,” it allows a person to retain control over end-of-life care by setting out which treatments they do not consent to, such as resuscitation or life-sustaining procedures.
Legal Reference
Advance decisions are recognised under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. To be legally binding, they must be written, signed, witnessed, and include a clear statement applying to life-sustaining treatment. Healthcare professionals must follow a valid advance decision if it applies to the situation at hand.
Sources
Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance_healthcare_directive
Wikidata – https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q555118
NHS – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/end-of-life-care/advance-decision-to-refuse-treatment/
Gov.uk – https://www.gov.uk/make-advance-decision
Freebase – https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/0164ym
DBpedia – http://dbpedia.org/resource/Advance_healthcare_directive
Product Ontology – http://www.productontology.org/id/Advance_decision