Which statement accurately describes advance directives?

• A. A living will; a document, written in advance, that states the patient's wishes regarding end-of-life care
• B. Durable power of attorney is a document that designates someone to decide for the patient
• C. Advance directives are not recognized by law
• D. They apply only in hospital settings

Answer: (A)

Advance directives are legal documents that record a person’s medical preferences for times when they can’t speak for themselves. The statement describes a living will, which is created in advance and specifies the individual’s wishes about end-of-life care and which treatments they would want or refuse. This captures the essence of advance directives by showing how patients can control future medical decisions even if they’re unable to communicate.

In addition to living wills, another common component is naming a healthcare proxy through a durable power of attorney, which designates someone to make medical decisions on the patient’s behalf. Both form parts are recognized by law and apply across different care settings, not just in hospitals. Misconceptions that advance directives aren’t legally recognized or that they only apply in hospital settings are incorrect.