Purpose: This study analyzed the number, type, and content of advance medical directives (AMD) presented by adult patients. Background/Significance: If an individual does have an AMD but it does not meet statutory requirements or is vague in describing the individual’s treatment preferences, complex issues can emerge when attempts are made to implement it. Methods: The AMD documents presented by patients admitted to critical care and medical-surgical units of a 600+ bed community teaching hospital over a 6-month period were reviewed by the investigator to determine type of document, compliance with statutory criteria, and specificity of content related to identification of advocate and treatment preferences. A data collection form was developed for the purpose of the investigation. Content validity was established by expert review. Results: Data revealed 14% of the patients reported having an AMD; however, only half reported bringing the document with them. The majority of documents (94%) met the statutory requirements for a patient advocate designation (durable power of attorney for healthcare). It was identified that 37% lacked information about how to contact the advocate, and 12% did not provide any clear treatment preferences. Coma, persistent vegetative state, and/or terminal illness were cited as criteria for limiting or withdrawing treatment in 86% of the documents that contained preferences. Approximately half of these also cited “quality of life” or “burdens” as additional criteria; however, personal values related to quality of life or burdens were not described. Conclusions: Although advance medical directives may meet statutory requirements, lack of information related to advocates, patient preferences, and/or personal values can limit the ability to interpret and apply the document. Increased efforts are needed to clarify the content of directives before emergencies occur and educate the community about the significance of clear, values-based directives.