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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
