What is a health care proxy?

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. ... more

A Health Care Proxy is a document which allows you, as a competent adult, to appoint another person as "agent" or "attorney in fact" to make decisions for you regarding your health care in the event you lose your decision-making capacity or the ability to understand and appreciate the nature and consequence of health care decisions. The Proxy can be general and apply to all medical decisions, or it can impose limitations and spell out specific instructions. Some states may limit its applicability in certain situations. ... more

Since December 18, 1990, individuals in Massachusetts can complete binding Health Care Proxies. The purpose is to permit you to designate in advance who will make your health care decisions should you become incapacitated or unable to make your own health care decisions. The Agent, or person you appoint must be 18 years of age or older and will be permitted to make a wide range of medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make or communicate your wishes. ... more

A health care proxy gives someone the authority to make health care decisions on another person's behalf when the individual is unable to communicate such decisions. Sometimes, it can be incorporated into the power of attorney. ... more

Under New York's health care proxy law, any competent person can authorize another person, usually a family member, to make health care decisions, if the patient becomes unable to do so. This is done by completing the standard health care proxy form, noting the person you are designating to make decisions, noting any specific decision that you want the person you are designating to make, and by signing the document in front of two witnesses. ... more

This document names another person and an alternate to make health care decisions for you in the event you are unable to make them for yourself. This document does not necessarily state what type of treatment you want to receive. You can allow your proxy (also known as an agent) to make all health care decisions or just certain ones. In NYS, unless your health care agent has reasonable knowledge about your wishes regarding artificial nutrition and hydration, he/she will not be allowed to withdraw or withhold these interventions. ... more

Some states (like New York) use the term "health care proxy" to describe a health care power of attorney. While state laws on advance directives differ, there is no important difference between the concept of a health care proxy and a health care power of attorney. ... more

A health care proxy is a document executed by a competent person (the principal) giving another person (the agent) the authority to make health care decisions for the principal if he or she is unable to communicate such decisions. ... more

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. ... more

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 ... more