An advance directive tells your doctor what kind of care you would like to have if you become unable to make medical decisions. The law now says that at the time you are admitted to the hospital, the hospital staff must tell you about advance directives.
Advance directives can take many forms.
Laws about advance directives vary from state to state. You should be aware of the guidelines of your state laws regarding the scope and technical requirements that apply to advance directives. A good advance directive describes the kind of treatment you would want to receive for different levels of illness. For example, the directives would describe what kind of care you would want if you have a critical illness, a terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness. Advance directives usually tell your doctor that you don't want certain kinds of treatment when you are this ill.