Glossary
Healthcare Proxy (Healthcare Power of Attorney)
Definition
A legal document that names someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make them yourself.
Different states use different names — healthcare proxy, healthcare power of attorney, durable medical power of attorney — but they do the same thing. The agent makes medical decisions when the principal can't.
Pair it with a living will (advance directive) and a HIPAA release so the agent can both decide and access medical information.
See also
Related terms
- DPOA (Durable Power of Attorney) — A power of attorney that remains in effect if the principal becomes incapacitated. The 'durable' designation is what makes it useful for elder care planning.
- Living Will (Advance Directive) — A written statement of the medical treatments you would or would not want if you became seriously ill and unable to speak for yourself.
- POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) — A portable medical order signed by a physician that specifies what life-sustaining treatments a seriously ill or frail patient does and does not want.
Sources
Sandwich is a directory and information site. This glossary is not legal, medical, or financial advice. For decisions that affect your family, consult a licensed professional. Editorial policy.
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