Full Definition

Advance directive is an umbrella term for legal documents that communicate a person’s healthcare wishes in advance of a medical crisis. In Texas, advance directives include the Medical Power of Attorney, the Directive to Physicians (living will), and the Out-of-Hospital DNR order.

Advance directives serve two primary functions: instructing healthcare providers about desired and unwanted treatments, and designating someone authorized to speak on the person’s behalf. Together, these documents create a complete framework for end-of-life and incapacity decisions.

Without an advance directive, medical teams may be legally required to provide all available treatments regardless of the patient’s likely preferences. Family members may disagree about what the person would have wanted, creating conflict at an already-difficult time. Courts may have to appoint a guardian.

Texas law requires healthcare providers to honor valid advance directives. Hospitals and care facilities should receive copies upon admission. Texas residents can register their advance directives with the Texas Advance Directive Registry so they are accessible statewide.