What document allows individuals to make decisions regarding their medical care if they are unable to do so?

The correct answer is advanced directives. Advanced directives are legal documents that allow individuals to outline their preferences for medical care in situations where they are unable to communicate those wishes themselves. This can include their choices regarding life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation efforts, and other critical health care decisions.

Advanced directives encompass various types of documentation, including living wills and health care proxies. While a health care proxy specifically designates a person to make medical decisions on someone’s behalf, advanced directives more broadly refer to various instructions regarding medical care. This makes advanced directives crucial for ensuring that an individual's wishes are respected when they cannot express them directly.

In summary, the function of advanced directives is to provide clear guidance about a person's medical treatment preferences, ensuring that their rights and desires are upheld during critical situations.