📝Advance directives are legal documents that communicate a client's health care preferences in the event they are unable to make decisions for themselves.

🧾One component of an advance directive is the durable power of attorney for health care, which designates a person (also known as a health care proxy) to make medical decisions on the client’s behalf.

⚖️This legal document becomes effective when the client is incapacitated and does not require co-signature from a family member unless mandated by state law, which is uncommon.

👩‍⚕️The statement about waiting until a serious health issue arises is incorrect because advance directives are meant to be completed while the individual is still competent and able to express their wishes, not during a crisis.

📌Core message

Advance directives include legal tools like the durable power of attorney that ensure a person’s health care wishes are honored when they can no longer make decisions.