title: Advance health directives.
abstract: Case histories are based on actual medical negligence claims or medicolegal referrals, however, certain facts have been omitted or changed by the author to ensure the anonymity of the parties involved. The aim of this article is to outline the legislative framework in relation to advance health directives and enduring powers of attorney or guardianship, with a particular focus on the medical and legal issues of relevance with respect to an assessment of mental capacity.
authors.affiliation: MDA National, Australia. sbird@mdanational.com.au
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bird
mesh_terms: D016223:Advance Directives / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D006801:Humans; D007872:Legal Guardians / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012308:Risk Management