Advance Directive
Patients have the right to use an Advance Directive, which is defined in the
Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers'
Rights as "a written or oral
directive -
a) By which a consumer makes a choice about a possible future health care
procedure; and
b) That is intended to be effective only when he or she is not competent".
The NZMA has produced information about Advanced Directives in line with the Code, and we have sample forms that can be used by patients.