advance directives

[/ədˈvæns dəˈrɛktɪvz/]
nounpl: advance directives
diretivas antecipadas
1. Legal documents that specify a person's medical treatment preferences and healthcare decisions in case they become unable to communicate their wishes
She signed advance directives to ensure her family knew her wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment.
Ela assinou diretivas antecipadas para garantir que sua família soubesse seus desejos sobre tratamento de suporte de vida.
2. Written instructions about healthcare decisions, including living wills and healthcare power of attorney designations
Advance directives typically include a living will and designation of a healthcare proxy.
As diretivas antecipadas geralmente incluem um testamento vital e a designação de um procurador de saúde.
Advance directives are increasingly important in both the USA and Brazil as part of healthcare planning and end-of-life decision-making. In the USA, they are legally recognized in all states with varying requirements. In Brazil, they are recognized under Law 11.931/2009, though not yet as comprehensively implemented as in the United States. The concept reflects modern medical ethics prioritizing patient autonomy and informed consent.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
living willhealthcare directivemedical directiveend-of-life directive

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
diretivas antecipadas
Most common term in Brazilian healthcare and legal contexts
General Brazilian
testamento vital
Alternative term focusing on the living will component
Portugal
diretivas antecipadas de vontade
More formal Portuguese usage, includes 'de vontade' (of will)
Portugal
testamento biológico
Portuguese legal term for biological/medical will

Related Words

living willhealthcare power of attorneyhealthcare proxydo-not-resuscitate orderDNRpalliative careinformed consent

Related Idioms & Phrases

put your affairs in order
prepare for the future
speak for yourself
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