Contributor Dr. Justine Price
ADVANCED CARE PLANNING
A health care proxy is a form. It names someone you trust as your voice, surrogate, or agent to express and carry out your wishes for health care decisions for you when you are unable to speak for yourself. The person you choose to make these decision is called your healthcare surrogate, durable health care/medical power of attorney, or
Healthcare agent.
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WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The moments when you can’t speak for yourself are usually unpredictable. Making medical decisions for a loved one can be confusing and scary. The stress and fear for your loved one doesn’t help in making careful, well thought out decisions, either. It’s important to have these discussions early, when life is more stable and time isn’t so rushed. Choosing a healthcare agent and defining your wishes helps ensure your desires are heard and your loved ones are prepared to speak on your behalf.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
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Who you (adults and emancipated minors) choose to be your healthcare agent is solely up to you
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You can change your mind about the person or instructions/your desires at any time
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Healthcare agent (health/medical power of attorney) duties are separate from financial power of attorney. These the roles can be filled by the same person, however
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This is a legal agreement that needs signed documentation (not all states require notarization)
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If you do not choose your healthcare agent, there is a legal ranking of order of who the doctors and hospitals will call for permission and questions on how to care for you when you can not speak for yourself. (see below)
HEALTHCARE AGENT PRIORITY ORDER
(if not assigned by you)
1.
A guardian of the patient, if one has been appointed
6.
A friend or other relative (niece or nephew) of the patient
2.
The patient’s spouse or domestic partner
4.
The patient's parent
3.
An adult child (greater than 18 years of age) of the patient
5.
An adult brother or sister of the patient
WHAT IS A
LIVING WILL?
Now that you’ve pick the person you trust to speak for you concerning medical matters when you can’t, you now they need instructions.
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One such instruction document is called a living will. Most of the time most medical treatment options will be made available to you. You can, however, say no to treatments or procedures especially when you become terminally ill or are in a comatose state. Your living will does this. It informs those caring for you of what you don’t want. Treatments like dialysis for your kidneys or feeding tubes or ventilator (life support) placement are addressed.
TO DO LIST
Choose your healthcare surrogate/healthcare power of attorney
Discuss your wishes with them and your family
Have forms notarized is required by your state
Print Advance Directive document by web searching “Advance directive forms” and your state
At your next doctor’s appointment, tell your provider who your healthcare power of attorney/surrogate is with a copy of the above form if completed
ADDITIONAL READING & RESOURCES
