Health Care Directive: 

A health care directive ensures that a client’s health care needs are addressed according to his or her wishes in the event of disability. The purpose of the document is not only to address the difficult issues surrounding the continuation of life support, nutrition, and hydration, but also to deal with general health care needs and decisions that may arise. By executing this document, a client authorizes his or her health care providers to communicate with individuals that have been designated to act on the client’s behalf. The designated individuals will have the authority to make a final and binding decision regarding the client’s health care needs.