What is a health care proxy?
A health care proxy is a legal document that designates a trusted relative or friend to make health care decisions for you if, because of an illness or accident, you’re incapable of making or communicating them yourself. The Massachusetts Health Care Proxy Law (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 201D) permits people to appoint a Health Care Proxy (called an “Agent” in the law) using the Health Care Proxy Form. Health care providers and facilities are bound to follow your Agent’s decisions as if they were your own. You are free to choose almost anyone as an Agent, but it is important that you discuss your treatment preferences with your Agent. You may also write on the form certain treatments that you do or do not want, or limit the authority of your Agent. You may also appoint an Alternate Agent, in case your Agent is unavailable or unable to make decisions regarding your care.
A health care proxy is a document executed by you (the principal), while competent, giving another person (the agent) the authority to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to communicate such decisions for yourself. Why have a health care proxy?In case you ever become incapacitated, it is important that someone has the legal authority to communicate your wishes concerning medical treatment. This is true especially if you were to disagree with family members or they were to disagree among themselves about your treatment. By executing a health care proxy, you ensure that the directions that you have given your agent will be carried out in the event of such disagreement. Whom should I appoint as my agent?Since your agent is going to have the authority to make medical decisions for you in the event you are unable to make such decisions yourself, it should be a family member or friend that you trust will follow your wishes. Before executing a health care proxy, you should ta
A New York Law called the Health Care Proxy Law allows you to appoint someone you trust and who knows you well, such as a family member or close friend, who will agree to act in your best interests regarding your health care if you lose the ability to make decisions about treatment for yourself. The document in which you appoint this person as your health care agent is called a Health Care Proxy.
