What is a health care proxy?
A “health care proxy,” sometimes called a “health care surrogate” or “durable medical power of attorney,” is the appointment of a person to whom you grant authority to make medical decisions in the event you are unable to express your preferences. Most commonly, this situation occurs either because you are unconscious or because your mental state is such that you do not have the legal capacity to make your own decisions. Normally, a single individual is appointed as your health care proxy, though quite commonly one or more alternate persons are designated in the event your first choice proxy is unavailable. As with the living will, medical professionals will make the initial determination as to whether or not you have the capacity to make your own medical treatment decisions. The health care proxy is a durable power of attorney specifically designed to cover medical treatment.
A “health care proxy,” sometimes called a “health care surrogate” or “durable medical power of attorney,” is the appointment of a person to whom you grant authority to make medical decisions in the event you are unable to express your preferences. Most commonly, this situation occurs either because you are unconscious or because your mental state is such that you do not have the legal capacity to make your own decisions.
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.
The health care proxy law permits individuals to appoint a trusted person, such as a family member or friend, to make health care decisions should he/she lose the ability to decide for himself/herself. This appointment can be made by signing a form called a Health Care Proxy. • What special accommodations/services are provided for residents who have suffer from various levels of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease? The Beechwood Residence has a JCAHO Accredited Dementia Special Care Unit which offers a safe and secured unit that addresses the special needs of these residents. Contact Director of Social Work for detailed information on specialized programs and staff.
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.
