[Advance directives for patients--legal situation in Switzerland].

In Switzerland there are no nationwide specific legal regulations of advanced directives. With the revision of the guardianship legislation (Swiss Civil Code) this will be changed. The Swiss Federal Council proposes, that a person with legal capacity can draw up an advanced directive which stipulates it should be taken care of them in case of incapacity. If the patient didn't stipulate a representative person in the case of incapacity, spouses or close family members shall consent on their behalf. According to the present federal regulation, they do not have the right to decide on behalf of the patient.