1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated January 11, 2016Federal Laws Concerning Advance DirectivesAn advance directive is a written statement by a competent person indicating his or her wishes regarding medical treatment in the event of future incompetence. In this context, incompetence means that a
2、 person cannot express his or her wishes which may be caused by mental infirmity, unconsciousness, or the inability to communicate. Advance directives may be used to address medical questions during any period of incompetence, including those periods associated with terminal illness. In general, the
3、re are two types of advance directives: (1) a living will and (2) a health care power of attorney (also referred to as a “durable power of attorney”). A living will can inform health care providers about the type of medical care that an individual wants provided or withheld. This may include any typ
4、e of medical treatment, including a life-sustaining procedure. Living wills typically take effect when the patient cannot communicate his or her wishes for medical care. In general, once a physician receives a living will, he or she either must honor its instructions or transfer the patient to anoth
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