How Do You Write A Health Care Proxy Document?
A health care proxy, known as a “living will,” “advance directives for health care” or a “durable power of attorney for health care,” is a legally recognized document that reflects your medical treatment wishes. Without such a document of intent, the decision to keep an incapacitated patient alive by extreme measures could be left to the state. While such a subject may difficult to consider, preparation can save your family the pressure of stressful decisions in the future. Step 1 Get a form. Health care proxy forms are available in stationery stores and online. It isn’t necessary to have these forms prepared by a lawyer. Although you can use the sample forms as written, they also serve as guidelines if you want to develop your own. Step 2 Think about what you want. An “advance directive” spells out your wishes as far as the kind of medical care you do or don’t want. Step 3 Choose someone to whom you can give the legal authority to make medical decisions if you are unable to decide for
A health care proxy, known as a “living will,” “advance directives for health care” or a “durable power of attorney for health care,” is a legally recognized document that reflects your medical treatment wishes. Without such a document of intent, the decision to keep an incapacitated patient alive by extreme measures could be left to the state. While such a subject may difficult to consider, preparation can save your family the pressure of stressful decisions in the future. Get a form. Health care proxy forms are available in stationery stores and online. It isn’t necessary to have these forms prepared by a lawyer. Although you can use the sample forms as written, they also serve as guidelines if you want to develop your own. Think about what you want. An “advance directive” spells out your wishes as far as the kind of medical care you do or don’t want. Choose someone to whom you can give the legal authority to make medical decisions if you are unable to decide for yourself. The proxy
