Are advance directives legally binding?

Advance directives are recognized in one form or another in many countries. In the United States advance directives are recognized by legislative action in all 50 states. If the directive is constructed according to the outlines provided by pertinent legislation, they can be considered legally binding. In questionable cases, the hospital’s (medical center’s) attorney or ethics advisory committee can provide guidance on how to proceed.

Advance directives are recognized in one form or another in many countries. In the United States advance directives are recognized by legislative action in all 50 states. If the directive is constructed according to the outlines provided by pertinent legislation, they can be considered legally binding. In questionable cases, the hospital’s (medical center’s) attorney or ethics advisory committee can provide guidance on how to proceed.