Healthcare Proxy

A healthcare proxy is a legal document that allows a person to appoint someone else to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so.

The person designated as the healthcare proxy is known as a Healthcare Agent or just "proxy." The agent has decision making authority regarding medical treatments, procedures, medications, and can decide on organ donation and end-of-life care.

It's important that the chosen healthcare proxy understand the values, wishes, and preferences of the person they represent, and is willing to advocate for their best interests. Open communication between the individual and the agent is crucial to ensure that the agent is aware of the individual's healthcare priorities.

To ensure that it is a valid, a person must sign the document in the presence of witnesses or have it Notarized, depending on the requirements of their state.

A healthcare proxy is an important part of a person's Advance Healthcare Directive, also known as an Advance Care Plan. These documents may also include a Living Will and together, they ensure that a person receives the type of care they desire, even if they cannot communicate those wishes.

Assigning a healthcare proxy is an important part of the Estate Planning process because they can ensure that the person's preferences are known and followed. They are legally binding documents and must be executed in accordance with state laws; as such, an Estate Attorney is typically hired to help draft them.

Also known as a Healthcare Agent, Healthcare Power of Attorney, or Medical Power of Attorney.