A health care agent is a person chosen to make medical decisions for another, should a severe illness or injury occur that makes communication impossible. The document that grants this decision-making power to the person selected is called a medical power of attorney.
A health care agent may also be called a health care proxy or surrogate or an attorney-in-fact.
Although laws vary by state, a health care agent can usually make medical treatment decisions at the end of life or anytime a person is not able to communicate. As soon as a person selects a health care agent, it is important to thoroughly discuss and document medical care preferences, such as when to continue or abandon life-support measures.
Shelly R. Garone, MD - Palliative Care
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.