An Advance Directive, authorized under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 166, is a written instruction expressing your preferences for life-sustaining treatment if you develop a terminal or irreversible condition and cannot communicate your wishes. This document guides your medical providers and loved ones, ensuring your choices are honored, reducing uncertainty during a medical crisis, and relieving family members from the emotional burden of making end-of-life decisions on your behalf. By directing when life support should be withdrawn, an Advance Directive can also preserve the value of your estate by preventing prolonged and costly medical interventions that would otherwise diminish what passes to your beneficiaries.
