Health Care Power of Attorney - Health Care Proxy

Health Care Proxy Forms

A health care power of attorney, an advance directive also referred to as a health care proxy, is a medical power of attorney that allows an individual to grant another person, a proxy, the right and authority to handle matters related to his/her medical care.

An advance directive is a document giving direction to health care providers about treatment choices. There are two types of advance directives, living wills and health care power of attorneys (health care proxy). The difference between a health care power of attorney and living will:

  • A health care power of attorney appoints someone, a proxy (thus the name health care proxy), and empowers them to make all medical and health care decisions.
  • A living will is a written statement of a person's health care and medical wishes in the event of a terminal illness. Living wills only apply to decisions regarding "life-sustaining treatment". It does not appoint another person to make health care or other medical decisions.

This durable power of attorney for health care allows the health care proxy to make decisions regarding personal care, medical treatment, hospitalization, health care and medical procedures during a period of incapacity. A durable document continues in effect and/or takes effect when the principal party is incapacitated or disabled.