A healthcare proxy or healthcare agent, also known as a medical power of attorney, is a legal document that empowers you to designate someone you deeply trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so due to incapacity.
Your healthcare agent, also referred to as your proxy, assumes a crucial role. They are entrusted with making treatment decisions, providing informed consent, coordinating medical services, accessing records, managing medical staff, and taking necessary actions for your healthcare when you are unable to do so.
This could apply during situations like unconsciousness, advanced dementia, mental incapacitation, or terminal illness. The proxy helps ensure your wishes about continuing, refusing, or withdrawing treatment are based on your previously stated preferences.
The healthcare proxy document specifies when the agent’s authority begins and ends. It should name backup agents as well. You can grant broad or limited decision-making powers depending on your preferences.
Having a proxy provides an extra layer of protection if you cannot advocate for yourself. You might be concerned about giving someone else control over your healthcare decisions, but it’s important to remember that you can choose someone you trust implicitly and can also set specific guidelines for their decision-making. Many experts recommend completing one, especially if you have strong opinions about life-sustaining interventions. The proxy remains in effect until you regain capacity or upon your death.
Appointing a healthcare proxy is a pivotal step in advance care planning, empowering you to maintain control over your medical treatment even in unforeseen circumstances.