A health care proxy is an instrument (or document) that allows a patient to appoint an agent to make health care decisions in the event that the primary individual is incapable of executing such decisions. Once the document is drafted, the primary individual continues to be allowed to make health care decisions as long as they are still competent to do so. Depending on the legal jurisdiction, health care proxies may or may not be mandatory. Regardless, they allow a patient's wishes to be followed even when he/she is incapable of communicating them. In many jurisdictions, a health care proxy is closely related to a "springing" health care power of attorney; with many practitioners using these two terms interchangeably.
Read more about Health Care Proxy: Criteria For Being An Agent, Powers and Limitations of An Agent, Structure of Typical Health Care Proxy Form in USA, Contemporary Importance of Health Care Proxies, UK Legal Situation
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