title: Advance directives, current legal and ethical issues.
abstract: The current legal position from which an advance directive operates is clarified. The practicalities of advance directives are considered and the issues concerning enalties explored. The patient's capacity to refuse treatment is discussed in relation to the issue of consent. Situations concerning cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, pregnancy and accident and emergency are explored.
authors.affiliation: Adult Intensive Care Unit, Southmead Hospital, Bristol.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brooks
mesh_terms: D000059:Accidents / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016223:Advance Directives / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; D004630:Emergencies; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011247:Pregnancy; D006113:United Kingdom