The purpose of an Advance Healthcare Directive (sometimes known as a ‘living will’) is that the person making it can specify the kind and extent of medical or surgical treatment they want in the future and as a result, still has a choice in their medical treatment if they are incapacitated in the future.

The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 provides a legal framework for Advance Healthcare Directives in Ireland. The Act has not yet been commenced into law so Advance Healthcare Directives are not legally binding; however, an Advance Healthcare Directive may have an effect on the care you receive because by making such a statement about your medical treatment, you may have withdrawn your consent to specific medical or surgical treatment. In addition, while they are not legally binding they are generally respected and adhered to.