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The Curious Bag
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An advance directive allows United Kingdom residents to give instructions about their medical care that will be followed if they become incapacitated. The directive may be used to refuse all or some treatment but may not request treatment options.
Background
The Mental Capacity Act of 2005 took effect in the United Kingdom in October 2007. It provides, among other things, that individuals may give written or oral instructions regarding their care in an advance directive, sometimes called an advance decision or living will.
Requirements
The person making the advance directive must be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. The directive must identify the specific treatment to be refused and the circumstances in which the directive applies. If the directive refuses life-sustaining treatment, it must be in writing, signed and witnessed.
Limitations
You may not use an advance directive to name someone to decide for you, require medical personnel to act against professional judgment or request that your life be ended.
Effectiveness
An advance directive is legally binding. Medical personnel who disregard the directive may face civil or criminal liability.
Cancellation
You may cancel an advance directive at any time. If the directive is in writing, destroy the document or clearly mark it "withdrawn."
Source:
Living Wills: Advance Decision or Directive
Office of the Public Guardian: Making Decisions
Age Concern: Advance Decisions, Advance Statements and Living Wills
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