Can I write advance directives (end of life)?
Yes, it's a right. Any adult can write advance directives: a document expressing their end-of-life wishes (continuing, limiting or stopping treatment, sedation) for when they can no longer express themselves. They must be written, dated and signed (a template exists). They in principle bind the doctor, except in a life-threatening emergency (the time to assess) or if they appear manifestly inappropriate (collegial decision). They're revisable and revocable at any time. It's useful to keep them accessible (medical record, trusted person) and to appoint a trusted person.
📋 The rules
- Any adult can write them
- End-of-life wishes (limiting/stopping treatment)
- Written, dated and signed
- In principle bind the doctor (except exceptions)
- Revisable and revocable at any time
🔓 Exceptions
- Life-threatening emergency: temporary suspension while assessing
- Manifestly inappropriate directives: collegial medical decision
- Appointing a trusted person to attest to the wishes
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Advance directives carry no 'penalty': they protect the patient's autonomy. The doctor must respect them; they can only depart from them in the planned cases (emergency, manifest inadequacy), through a reasoned collegial procedure. Without directives, the trusted person, then the family, are consulted to attest to the presumed wishes. Writing your directives avoids uncertainty and eases the burden on relatives at the time of hard decisions.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Advance directives →
- Ministry of Health · Advance directives →
- Légifrance · Public Health Code (art. L1111-11) →
❓ Frequently asked
Who can write advance directives?
Any adult. They express your end-of-life wishes, for when you can no longer express yourself. They must be written, dated and signed; an official template is available to help.
Must the doctor respect them?
Yes, in principle. Advance directives bind the doctor. They can only depart from them in a life-threatening emergency (the time to assess) or if they appear manifestly inappropriate, after a reasoned collegial procedure.
Can you change your mind?
Yes, at any time. Advance directives are revisable and revocable without condition. You can change or cancel them whenever you wish; the most recent version prevails. Tell your doctor and trusted person.
What's the trusted person?
Someone you appoint to support you and attest to your wishes if you can no longer express yourself. Their testimony prevails over the family's. Appointing one usefully complements advance directives.
Where to keep your advance directives?
Keep them accessible: give a copy to your doctor (medical record, shared medical record), your trusted person and a relative. Say where they are so they're found when the time comes.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “write advance directives”
- “advance directives end of life”
- “trusted person health”
- “stopping treatment wishes”
- “advance directives doctor binding”
- “advance directives template”