Palabras-clave: autonomía; bioética; consentimiento informado; derechos de los pacientes; final de la vida; instrucciones previas; planificación anticipada de la atención.

Abstract: advance directives have improved the respect of patient’s autonomy and rights in Spanish Law by means of a vast and manifold national and autonomous legislation. A clear and uniform definition of a common normative core of advance directives, although difficult, can be achieved from the broader scope of the advance care planning, putting together the ethical, the clinical, and the legal perspectives.