It is only used if the person cannot make or communicate their own medical decisions.
This can happen because of:
- Being unconscious (for example, after an accident)
- Serious illness or injury
- Advanced dementia or cognitive decline
🧾 In practice: When this happens, doctors and/or a chosen decision-maker will:
- Follow the person’s written treatment instructions
- Make decisions based on the person’s values and wishes
⚠️ Important:
- If the person can still make decisions, what they say now is what matters most, even if it is different from their advance care plan or directive.