What Authority Does a Healthcare Proxy Have?
A healthcare proxy agent can make decisions about all aspects of your medical care: approving or declining surgeries and procedures, choosing between treatment options, selecting healthcare providers and facilities, deciding on pain management approaches, and in some states, making end-of-life decisions including withdrawal of life support. The agent's authority only activates when your doctor determines you cannot make decisions yourself, and it ends when you regain capacity.
How Do You Choose the Right Healthcare Proxy?
Choose someone who: understands your values and preferences regarding medical care, can remain calm under pressure, is willing to advocate firmly on your behalf (even against family pressure), is geographically accessible (they may need to be present at the hospital), and is willing to serve. Have a detailed conversation about your wishes, including end-of-life preferences. Name an alternate proxy in case your first choice is unavailable. Your proxy does not need to be a family member.
How Does a Healthcare Proxy Work With a Living Will?
These documents complement each other. Your living will provides written instructions for specific scenarios. Your healthcare proxy appoints someone to interpret those instructions and handle situations your living will doesn't address. If the documents conflict, states handle this differently — some prioritize the proxy's judgment, others follow the written directive. To avoid conflicts, discuss your living will's contents with your proxy and ensure they understand your wishes thoroughly.
Frequently asked questions
When does a healthcare proxy take effect?
A healthcare proxy takes effect only when your physician determines you are unable to make medical decisions for yourself. Until then, all medical decisions remain yours. If you regain capacity, the proxy's authority is suspended and you resume making your own decisions.
Can I override my healthcare proxy's decisions?
If you are conscious and have mental capacity, your own wishes always override the proxy's authority. The proxy only acts when you cannot. You can also revoke the healthcare proxy designation at any time while you have capacity, typically by notifying your proxy and healthcare providers in writing.