What is the main purpose of an Advance Directive?

The main purpose of an Advance Directive is to make future end-of-life care wishes known. This legal document is designed to provide guidance for medical professionals and family members regarding a patient's preferences for treatment in situations where they are unable to communicate their wishes. It typically outlines specific desires about medical interventions, comfort measures, and overall care preferences in scenarios such as terminal illness or incapacitation.

While appointing a healthcare provider is important, it is a component of the Advance Directive rather than its primary purpose. Hospital transfers and financial directives are not related to the intentions behind an Advance Directive, as these concerns typically fall outside the scope of patient care preferences and decision-making authority. The focus of an Advance Directive remains on ensuring that individual choices regarding medical treatment are honored, particularly as they relate to end-of-life situations.