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Simple English definitions for legal terms
health care proxy
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A quick definition of health care proxy:
A health care proxy is a person who is chosen by someone to make medical decisions for them if they are unable to make decisions for themselves. This person is named in a legal document called a health care declaration. The health care proxy can make decisions about medical treatments, surgeries, and other medical procedures. They can also access medical records and visit the person in the hospital. A health care proxy may also be called an agent, attorney-in-fact, or patient advocate.
A more thorough explanation:
A health care proxy is a person who is appointed by someone else to make medical decisions for them when they are unable to do so. This person is usually named in a legal document called a health care declaration.
For example, if someone is in a coma or has dementia and cannot make decisions about their medical care, their health care proxy would make those decisions for them. The health care proxy would have the authority to make decisions about medical treatments, surgeries, and other procedures.
It's important to choose a trusted person to be your health care proxy and to make sure they understand your wishes for your medical care. You can also include specific instructions in your health care declaration to guide your proxy's decisions.
health care fraud | Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)