Topic Overview
What is a health care agent?
A
is a person you choose in advance to
make health care decisions for you in the event that you become unable to do
so. A health care agent can help make medical decisions on your behalf at the
end of life or any other time you are not able to communicate, such as if you
are severely injured in an accident. A health care agent also may be called a
health care proxy or surrogate or an attorney-in-fact.
State laws
vary regarding the specific types of decisions health care agents can make.
In general, a health care agent can agree to or refuse treatment and can
withdraw treatment on your behalf. Your health care agent can use the
information in your
(also called a treatment directive),
statements made by you in the past, and what he or she knows about you
personally to make these decisions. For example, your agent can consent to
surgery, refuse to have you placed on life-support machines, or request that
you be taken off life support.
How do I choose a health care agent?
Choose
someone you trust. Your agent needs to be willing and able to make potentially
difficult decisions about medical treatment for you. Discuss your desires,
values, fears, and preferences about medical care in various situations. The
more your agent knows about you and your values, the more likely he or she will
be to make the kinds of decisions you would make if you were able.
Where can I get the form I need to name my health care agent?
A legal form, usually called a
medical power of attorney (but it may be called by other names in some states),
is used for documenting your choice of a health care agent. This form is
usually available through your state's bar association or office for the aging. Law offices and hospitals also have these forms or can direct
you to where to find them. You can also get copies of the forms for your state
from Caring Connections at its Web site or by phone: www.caringinfo.org
or 1-800-658-8898.
You must sign the form to make it
valid. Some states require the form to be notarized (witnessed by a notary
public) and signed by at least two witnesses. A medical power of attorney and a
living will are types of
. Be sure to tell your family
members and doctors whom you have selected as your health care agent.