Healthcare Proxy
A healthcare proxy is a legal document that designates a trusted person (the agent or proxy) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself due to illness or incapacity.
Exam Tip
Healthcare proxy = PERSON who decides (all medical). Living will = YOUR instructions (end-of-life). Have both for complete protection.
What is a Healthcare Proxy?
A healthcare proxy, also known as a healthcare power of attorney or medical power of attorney, is a legal document that appoints someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf when you cannot speak for yourself.
Healthcare Proxy vs. Living Will
| Feature | Healthcare Proxy | Living Will |
|---|---|---|
| What It Is | Appoints a person | Written instructions |
| Scope | All medical decisions | End-of-life decisions only |
| Flexibility | Agent uses judgment | Fixed instructions |
| When Active | Any incapacity | Terminal/permanent incapacity |
Powers Granted to Healthcare Agent
| Decision Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Treatment Decisions | Approve or refuse medical procedures |
| Healthcare Providers | Choose doctors, hospitals, facilities |
| End-of-Life Care | Life support, palliative care decisions |
| Facility Placement | Nursing home, rehab facility choices |
Common Misconceptions
- "My spouse is automatically my healthcare proxy." Reality: Without a healthcare proxy document, state law determines who decides, and it may require court involvement.
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Related Terms
Living Will (Advance Directive)
A living will is a legal document that specifies a person's wishes regarding medical treatment and life-sustaining measures if they become terminally ill or permanently incapacitated and unable to communicate their decisions.
Power of Attorney (POA)
A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes a designated person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to make financial, legal, or healthcare decisions on behalf of another person (the principal), either immediately or upon incapacity.