What is a health care proxy?
A health care proxy is a legal document which empowers someone to make health care decisions on behalf of someone else. Health care proxies are usually designed to take effect in the event that someone is incapacitated or unable to communicate, with the agent making decisions which reflect the wishes of the incapacitated individual. Many regions of the world recognize health care proxies, and some even actively encourage people to consider drafting a health care proxy. Health care proxies are a special form of power of attorney. They are written in such a way that they only take effect in set circumstances, so that the agent does not have control over the principle’s health care when the principle is able to communicate and make decisions independently. Typically, a health care proxy spells out the details of the situations in which the document would take effect, such as entry into a coma or persistent vegetative state. This legal document is not the same as a living will. A living wi
A law, called the New York health care proxy law, allows you to appoint someone you trust – for example, a family member or close friend – to decide about treatment if you lose the ability to decide for yourself. You can do this by using a Health Care Proxy to appoint your “health care agent.” You can give the person you select as little or as much authority as you want. You can allow your health care agent to decide about all health care or only about certain treatments. You may also give your agent instructions that he or she has to follow. You agent can then make sure that health care professionals follow your wishes and can decide how your wishes apply as your medical condition changes. Hospitals, doctors and other health care providers must follow your agent’s decisions as if they were your own. Why should I choose a health care agent? If you become too sick to make health care decisions, someone else must decide for you. Health care professionals often look to family members for
