FORT LAUDERDALE HEALTH CARE PROXY ATTORNEY
What is a Health Care Proxy?
A health care proxy is a document that allows a client to appoint someone (a “health care surrogate”) to make health care decisions in the event the client loses the ability to make those decisions themselves. This document ensures that health care providers follow the client’s wishes, particularly regarding organ and/or tissue donation. Still, a living will is preferred for providing a more complete list of instructions. Its is very common for the healthcare proxy and the living will to be included into one document so that they don’t conflict and there is a clear understanding of one’s health care wishes.
What should you consider when creating a Health Care Proxy?
Before creating a health care proxy, you should consider your:
- Religious beliefs (Ex. Refusing blood transfusions.)
- Medical treatment preferences (Ex. Refusing life-sustaining measures.)
- Feelings about health care providers and institutions (Ex. Preferring a faith-based hospital.)
- Feelings about illness, death, and dying.
What should you consider when selecting a Health Care Surrogate?
A health care surrogate is responsible for making medical decisions for a client when they are unable to do so themselves. Thus, it is important to consider several things before choosing a health care surrogate, such as:
- Is the person someone you trust?
- Does the person understand your wishes?
- Is the person at least 18 years old?
- Does the person live near you?
Once you have chosen a health care surrogate, you should have a conversation with that person about:
- The responsibilities that come with being a health care surrogate.
- Your desires, priorities, religious observations, etc.
- The persons comfortability with serving as your health care surrogate.
After consulting with your health care surrogate and obtaining their consent, you should name them in your health care proxy form and identify an alternative health care surrogate.
Sharing and storing your Health Care Proxy
Make sure that your health care provider, estate planning attorney, and the significant people in your life know that you have a health care proxy form and where it is located. Sharing copies with these trusted people is recommended. Keep a card or note in your purse or wallet that states that you have the form and where it is located.
Store your health care proxy in a safe place in your home, like a fireproof box or safe. However, do not store your health care proxy in a safety deposit box!
If you change your health care surrogate, make sure your health care provider, estate planning attorney and the significant people in your life have the latest copy.
Health Care Proxy vs. Power of Attorney
A health care proxy appoints someone to make HEALTH related decisions on your behalf while a power of attorney appoints someone to handle FINANCIAL related decisions on your behalf.
Please call our office at 954-832-0885 to discuss how The Law Offices of Odelia Goldberg can help you with your legal issues. Virtual and telephone appointments are available. In some cases, home or hospital appointments may be arranged.
