advance directive

Definition / meaning of advance directive

A legal document that states the treatment or care a person wishes to receive or not receive if he or she becomes unable to make medical decisions (for example, due to being unconscious or in a coma). Some types of advance directives are living wills and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.

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Find More About 'advance directive'

Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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