What is an advance directive?

An advance directive is a vital component of healthcare planning. It is a document that outlines an individual's preferences and wishes regarding medical treatment and healthcare decisions in situations where they may no longer be able to communicate or make decisions for themselves due to illness or incapacitation. This legal document serves to ensure that a person's values and desires concerning medical intervention are respected, allowing healthcare providers and family members to make decisions aligned with the patient’s wishes.

This option distinguishes itself by focusing on the individual's choices and desires about their future health care, which can include decisions about life support, resuscitation, and other medical interventions. It is essential for facilitating conversations about end-of-life care and ensuring that a person's intentions are honored in critical situations.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose or function of an advance directive. A document summarizing patient care history does not convey individual health care preferences. A plan for physical rehabilitation pertains to recovery rather than end-of-life choices. A legal contract for caregiving services relates to the logistics of providing care rather than personal health care decisions during incapacitation.