What is an Advance Medical Directive (AMD)?
Your medical wishes, respected even when you cannot speak. From July 2026, new Hong Kong law lets you decide in advance which life-sustaining treatments you accept or refuse.
Simply put: what is an AMD?
An Advance Medical Directive (AMD) is a legal document that lets you, while mentally competent, state in advance which life-sustaining treatments you refuse if you later lose capacity due to a terminal illness, persistent vegetative state, or other specified conditions.
"If I cannot be saved, please do not keep me alive by machines."
An AMD is not a will, not euthanasia, and not abandoning care. It ensures your medical wishes are still respected when you cannot speak.
Why this matters now
On 20 November 2024, the Legislative Council passed the Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance (Cap. 651), effective 31 July 2026.
- Elevates AMD from common law to statutory protection
- Gives doctors and signatories a clear legal framework
- Confirms the legal effect of AMDs in Hong Kong
Previously AMDs sat in a legal grey area; doctors worried about liability. The new Ordinance addresses that.
What treatments can an AMD cover?
An AMD only covers life-sustaining treatments. You may refuse some or all of the following:
CPR
Chest compressions, defibrillation, intubation when heart/breathing stops
Mechanical ventilation
Machine breathing when you cannot breathe on your own
Artificial nutrition & hydration
Feeding tubes or IV fluids
Dialysis
Blood filtration when kidneys fail
Antibiotics
Medications to treat infection
ICU care
Intensive care unit admission
Important: an AMD does not mean "no care at all" — you still receive palliative care (pain relief, symptom control, support) to protect quality of life.
Three situations that activate an AMD
An AMD only takes effect in these three situations. Temporary or reversible conditions do not activate it.
Terminal illness
Doctor confirms the condition is irreversible and death is reasonably foreseeable.
PVS / irreversible coma
Loss of consciousness with no realistic prospect of recovery.
Other advanced irreversible conditions
E.g. advanced dementia or end-stage organ failure.
Who can sign an AMD?
Age
18 years or older
Capacity
Mentally competent and able to understand the AMD
Voluntary
Signed of your own free will, without pressure
Informed
Discuss life-sustaining treatments in depth with a doctor first
How signing works
WhatsApp consultation
Contact us — a doctor answers your questions and confirms suitability.
Doctor home assessment
Mental capacity assessment at home to ensure you understand the AMD.
Sign the document
Sign before two witnesses; one must be a registered doctor. The second must not benefit from your estate.
Keep the document
You keep the original; tell trusted family where it is. Revocable anytime while competent.
AMD vs euthanasia
This is the most common misunderstanding.
| Aspect | AMD | Euthanasia |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Refuse treatment | Actively end life |
| Who acts | Doctor stops / withholds treatment | Doctor administers lethal medication |
| HK law | ✅ Lawful (from July 2026) | ❌ Illegal |
| Context | Terminal illness, PVS, etc. | Regardless of condition |
| Outcome | Natural death | Artificial ending of life |
An AMD is not euthanasia. It allows a natural death without being kept alive by machines.
Who should consider an AMD?
- Terminal patients — prefer home death, not hospital CPR
- Older adults — plan ahead for later life
- Early dementia — while still able
- Chronic illness — heart, kidney, cancer, etc.
- Planners — spare family hard decisions
- Anyone 18+ — you never know what tomorrow brings
💡 Remember: an AMD is written for the future you who cannot speak.
FAQ
How is an AMD different from a will?
An AMD covers medical decisions. A will covers assets. They are separate legal instruments and can be signed independently.
Can I change my AMD later?
Yes. While mentally competent you may revoke or re-sign an updated version at any time.
Is an overseas AMD valid in Hong Kong?
It may be if it meets Ordinance requirements. Re-signing in Hong Kong is recommended to reduce legal risk.
Can I sign if I cannot read?
Yes. A doctor will explain the content; you may sign by mark/fingerprint before witnesses as permitted by law.
How much does it cost?
Home-visit fees are transparent — WhatsApp us or see the pricing page.
Ready to sign your AMD?
Our DoctorNow team provides professional home-visit signing — about 30 minutes. WhatsApp us anytime.