How do I appoint a health care agent?
All competent adults, 18 years of age or older, can appoint a health care agent by signing a form called a Health Care Proxy. You don’t need a lawyer or a notary, just two adult witnesses. Your agent cannot sign as a witness. You can use the form printed here, but you don’t have to use this form. Why do I need to appoint a health care agent if I’m young and healthy? Appointing a health care agent is a good idea even though you are not elderly or terminally ill. A health care agent can act on your behalf if you become even temporarily unable to make your own health care decisions (such as might occur if you are under general anesthesia or have become comatose because of an accident). When you again become able to make your own health care decisions, your health care agent will no longer be authorized to act. How will my health care agent know my wishes? Having an open and frank discussion about your wishes with your health care agent will put him or her in a better position to serve you
All competent adults can appoint a health care agent by signing a form called a Health Care Proxy. Q: When would my health care agent begin to make health care decisions for me? A: Your health care agent would begin to make health care decisions after your doctor decides that you are not able to make your own health care decisions. Q: Why do I need to appoint a health care agent if I’m young and healthy? A: A health care agent can act on your behalf if you become even temporarily unable to make your own health care decisions (such as might occur if you are under general anesthesia or have become comatose because of an accident). Q: How will my health care agent make decisions? A: Your agent must follow your wishes, as well as your moral and religious beliefs. Having an open and frank discussion about your wishes with your health care agent will put him or her in a better position to serve your interests. Q: What if I change my mind? A: It is easy to cancel your Health Care Proxy, to ch
