Advance Directive
A general term for legal documents that express your healthcare wishes in advance. It usually includes both a living will (treatment preferences) and a healthcare power of attorney (who makes decisions for you).
Legal Definition
A document or set of documents executed by a competent adult that provides instructions regarding future healthcare decisions and/or designates an agent to make such decisions, effective upon the principal's incapacity.
Practical Example
Before her retirement, Barbara completes her advance directives: a living will stating she does not want artificial life support, and a healthcare power of attorney naming her daughter to make any other medical decisions.