

Your proxy can only make decisions for you if you are too sick to make them yourself. What kinds of decisions can a health care proxy make? Once you’ve identified someone to serve as your proxy, ask them if they are willing to take on the responsibility. You may want to talk to more than one person about your wishes before deciding who is the right proxy for you. Does this person live near me or would they travel to be with me if needed?.Can this person handle conflicting opinions from my family, friends, and health care providers?.Will this person honor my wishes and do as I ask when the time comes?.Am I comfortable talking with this person about my wishes and priorities for health care?.If you have a few people in mind, consider the following questions: Think carefully about the person you choose to be your health care proxy. Questions to consider when choosing your proxy You might also pick an alternate proxy, a backup if your primary proxy is unavailable for any reason. Someone who serves as a health care proxy for 10 or more other peopleĬontact your state legal aid office or state bar association to confirm your state’s rules and find out if there are any other limitations on who can be your proxy.Your court-appointed guardian or conservator.
HEALTH CARE PROXIE PROFESSIONAL
A professional evaluating your ability to make decisions.The owner or operator of your health or residential care facility or someone working for a government agency financially responsible for your care.Your health care provider or their spouse, employee, or spouse of an employee.

While state requirements vary greatly, the American Bar Association generally recommends not choosing: Some people choose a family member, but others may decide on a trusted friend or neighbor or a lawyer. In all cases, a proxy must be of sound mind. In Alabama and Nebraska, a proxy must be age 19 or older. In most states, a health care proxy must be age 18 or older. A proxy can be chosen in addition to or instead of a living will, which is another kind of advance directive that outlines your preferences around medical care and treatment. An advance directive is a legal document that provides instructions for medical care and only goes into effect if you cannot communicate your own wishes. To name a health care proxy, you can use an advance directive called the durable power of attorney for health care. Having a proxy can be especially helpful to have in place if unexpected situations arise, such as a serious car accident or stroke. They work closely with your health care team to ensure your care and treatment preferences are followed. A health care proxy - also known as a representative, surrogate, or agent - is a person who can make health care decisions for you if you are unable to communicate these yourself.
