A healthcare proxy is a designated individual who is authorized to make medical decisions on behalf of another person if that person is unable to communicate their wishes due to illness or incapacity. This legal arrangement ensures that a person's healthcare preferences are respected even when they cannot express them directly.
Healthcare proxies are commonly used in the context of healthcare law and estate planning. They play a crucial role in ensuring that a person's medical treatment aligns with their values and preferences when they are unable to voice them. This legal instrument is often part of broader advance care planning, which may include living wills and other directives. Users can create a healthcare proxy document using templates from US Legal Forms, which are drafted by qualified attorneys to ensure compliance with state laws.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: Jane appoints her sister, Lisa, as her healthcare proxy. If Jane suffers a stroke and cannot communicate, Lisa can make medical decisions based on Jane's known wishes.
Example 2: John, a terminally ill patient, designates his partner as his healthcare proxy. When John can no longer express his preferences, his partner will ensure that John receives care aligned with his values. (hypothetical example)
| State | Requirements |
|---|---|
| California | Requires a signed document and two witnesses or a notary. |
| New York | Must be in writing, signed, and witnessed by at least one person. |
| Texas | Requires a written document signed by the principal and two witnesses. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Proxy | A person designated to make healthcare decisions for another. |
| Living Will | A document that outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in specific situations. |
| Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare | A legal document that designates someone to make healthcare decisions if the principal is incapacitated. |
If you need to establish a healthcare proxy, consider the following steps:
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