The Roboagents Are Coming! The Promise and Challenge of Artificial Intelligence Advance Directives
Abstract
Advance directives have historically relied upon human agents. But what happens when a patient appoints an artificial intelligence system as an agent? This essay introduces the idea of roboagents-chatbots authorized to make medical decisions when individuals lose capacity. After describing potential models, including a personal AI companion and a chatbot that has not been trained on a patient's values and preferences, the essay explores the ethical tensions these roboagents generate regarding autonomy, bias, consent, family trust, and physician well-being. This essay then calls for legal clarity and ethical guidance regarding the status of roboagents in light of their potential as alternative health care agents.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
Ethics and Social Impacts of AI
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The Hastings Center Report
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 56
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 6–12
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN