What is an advance decision (living will) in the UK?
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In short: A legally binding document under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 that lets you refuse specified medical treatments in advance — in case you later lose capacity. To refuse life-sustaining treatment it must be written, signed, witnessed, and say 'even if my life is at risk'.
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An advance decision (ADRT) only refuses treatment — it cannot demand it, cannot refuse basic care, and cannot override compulsory treatment under the Mental Health Act.
A later Lasting Power of Attorney for Health & Welfare giving the attorney power over the same life-sustaining treatment overrides an earlier ADRT. If you want the ADRT to prevail, make it after the LPA and reference it expressly.
There is no central register. Tell your GP, share copies with family and your attorney, and add it to your Summary Care Record so emergency clinicians can find it.
Primary source: nhs.uk/conditions/end-of-life-care/advance-decision-to-refuse-treatment
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