The concept of health includes not only the physical, but also the psychosocial
dimension in accordance with the will of people. The reference to the
personal concept of quality of life, values, ethical and religious opinions of
each subject are key components underlying the decision-making process
concerning a given patient in a given clinical condition: the concept of
health does not only exist in the abstract, but must be measured in relation
to the specific patient in the specific situation. The authors analyse the
Italian debate about the possible designation in advance of the support
administrator on the part of the beneficiary in anticipation of a potential situation
of incapacity, as a tool to enforce advance care directives, to show how
beneficence and respect for autonomy are both essential elements in the
choices of the legal system aimed at promoting the health and the wellbeing
of its citizens.