A Health Care Representative (also known as a health care proxy, health care agent, power of attorney for health care, durable power of attorney for health care or surrogate decision-maker) is the person that you designate to speak on your behalf if you can’t make your own health care decisions. If you were unable to speak due to an accident or illness, your proxy would advocate for you. Most commonly, this situation occurs either because you are unconscious or because your mental state is such that you do not have the legal capacity to make your own decisions. You should confirm prior to appointing someone as your proxy that he or she will be willing and able to carry out your wishes.
Express your wishes to your health care proxy so that they do not have to guess about what you would want. Making your wishes known in advance prevents others from making difficult choices during a very stressful time. Your goals of care need to be discussed and documented in writing so there is no misunderstanding.
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