Legal Definitions - instruction directive

An instruction directive is a legal document that outlines a person's specific wishes for their healthcare decisions. It is also known as a medical directive or healthcare directive. This document is used to guide healthcare providers and family members in making decisions about medical treatment when the person is unable to communicate their wishes.

• Living Will: A living will is a type of instruction directive that outlines a person's wishes for end-of-life care. It may include instructions about life support, resuscitation, and other medical treatments.
• Proxy Directive: A proxy directive is another type of instruction directive that designates a person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the declarant if they are unable to do so themselves.

These examples illustrate how an instruction directive can take different forms and serve different purposes. They all share the common goal of ensuring that a person's wishes for their healthcare are respected and followed.