US Medical Term · emergency
Advance Directive
Directiva anticipada
Also: Voluntad anticipada (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Advance Directive |
| Spanish (Español) | Directiva anticipada |
| Chinese (中文) | 預立醫療指示 |
| Korean (한국어) | 사전 의료 지시서 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Chỉ thị chăm sóc y tế trước |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Advance directive |
| Portuguese (Português) | Diretiva antecipada de vontade |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | คำสั่งล่วงหน้าเกี่ยวกับการรักษา |
| Japanese (日本語) | 事前指示書 |
What it means
An advance directive is a legal document that states your wishes for medical treatment if you become unable to speak for yourself. It may include a living will (which describes treatments you do or do not want) and a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare (naming a trusted person to make decisions on your behalf). Completing an advance directive is important for all adults. Hospitals are required to ask about your advance directive upon admission. If you have one, bring a copy to the hospital. If you do not have one, hospital social workers can help you create one. It helps ensure your values guide your care.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have an advance directive; can I give a copy to the nurse?
Tengo una directiva anticipada; ¿puedo darle una copia a la enfermera?
My parents do not have advance directives; how can we create one at the hospital?
Mis padres no tienen directiva anticipada; ¿cómo podemos crear una en el hospital?
An advance directive lets you say what care you want if you cannot speak for yourself.
Una directiva anticipada le permite expresar qué cuidado desea si no puede hablar por usted mismo.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026