{"id":38533,"date":"2021-10-26T14:10:03","date_gmt":"2021-10-26T18:10:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mjhs1.wpengine.com\/?post_type=blog&#038;p=38533"},"modified":"2025-09-10T12:05:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T16:05:40","slug":"health-care-proxy","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/www.mjhs.org\/es\/recursos\/poder-de-representaci\u00f3n-para-la-atenci\u00f3n-m\u00e9dica\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Health Care Proxy?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A Health Care Proxy is an essential legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust\u2014<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">referred to as<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> your &#8220;health care agent&#8221;\u2014to make medical decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to do so yourself. This person could be a family member, close friend, or anyone you trust to fulfill your <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">health care<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> wishes. The Health Care Proxy ensures that your medical preferences <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">are followed<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, even if <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">you&#8217;re unable to<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> communicate them directly due to illness or injury.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-a-health-care-proxy-important\">Why is a Health Care Proxy Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ensures Your Wishes Are Respected<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: By appointing a <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">health care<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> agent, you can make sure your <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">health care<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> providers follow your specific preferences, whether that&#8217;s continuing treatment, opting for comfort care, or anything in between. Your agent can adapt decisions based on your wishes as your medical condition changes.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Offers Flexibility<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: You can decide how much authority to give your agent. You might grant them the power to make all health care decisions, or only certain ones\u2014such as consenting to specific treatments or refusing life-sustaining interventions. Additionally, the form allows you to provide specific instructions that your agent must follow.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Organ and Tissue Donation<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: The Health Care Proxy Form also <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">allows<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> you to document your preferences regarding organ <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and\/or<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> tissue donation, ensuring that your wishes in this sensitive area are known and respected.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-health-care-proxy-form\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What You Need to Know About the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Health Care Proxy Form<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Before signing a <a href=\"https:\/\/dotorg.us-east-1.linodeobjects.com\/2020\/06\/Health-Care-Proxy_HCP.17.V1_Accessible.pdf\">Health Care Proxy form<\/a>, it&#8217;s crucial to understand how it works:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Scope of Authority<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Your agent is authorized to make all health care decisions for you <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">unless you specify otherwise<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> includes decisions regarding life-sustaining treatments such as mechanical ventilation, dialysis, or artificial nutrition (feeding tubes or IV hydration).<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Limits on Authority<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Your agent needs to reasonably know your wishes about artificial nutrition or hydration to <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">make decisions regarding<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> these treatments. Therefore, it&#8217;s important to discuss these preferences explicitly.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">When the Proxy Takes Effect<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Your agent will only begin making decisions once your doctor determines that you <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">are unable to<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> make medical decisions on your own. Until that time, you retain <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">full<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> control over your <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">health care<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> choices.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Customizing Your Care<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: You can write specific instructions on the form about treatments you wish to avoid or treatments you want to ensure you receive. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> helps limit your agent&#8217;s decision-making power and provides a clear guide for your care.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">No Lawyer Required<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Filling out the Health Care Proxy form does not require legal assistance. The process is simple, and any adult\u2014<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">whether<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> a family member, friend, or trusted individual\u2014can act as your agent.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-special-considerations-when-choosing-your-health-care-agent\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Special Considerations When Choosing Your Health Care Agent<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Eligibility<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Any adult (18 years or older) can serve as your <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">health care<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> agent, except for certain restrictions if you are a patient in a hospital, nursing home, or mental health facility. In such cases, facility employees may only be allowed to serve as your agent if they meet specific criteria.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Conflict of Interest<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: If you choose a doctor as your <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">health care<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> agent, they cannot act as <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">both<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> your agent and your attending physician. Therefore, they will have to choose one role over the other.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Spouse and Divorce<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: If you appoint your spouse as your health care agent and then divorce or legally separate, your spouse will no longer be your agent by default unless you specifically state otherwise on your form.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-discussing-your-wishes-with-your-agent\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Discussing Your Wishes with Your Agent<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">important<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to have<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> a clear conversation with the person you wish to appoint as your agent.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> They <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">need to<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> be willing to take on this responsibility and understand your wishes in detail. Ensure they receive a signed copy of the form and encourage an open dialogue about your preferences for medical care. This will help them make decisions in line with your desires if the time comes. It&#8217;s also important to note that your agent cannot be held legally liable for decisions made in good faith.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-your-rights-as-a-patient\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Your Rights as a Patient<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Even after signing a Health Care Proxy form, you retain the right to make your own health care decisions as long as <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">you&#8217;re able<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. If you can make decisions, your agent cannot override your choices. Additionally, you can revoke your agent&#8217;s authority at any time, either by informing them or your health care provider, orally or in writing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-voluntary-and-flexible\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Voluntary and Flexible<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Appointing a <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">health care<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> agent is a personal decision\u2014no one can require you to have one. The Health Care Proxy form gives you the flexibility to outline your preferences regarding your care and organ and tissue donation. Having a signed form ensures that your health care is provided according to your wishes, regardless of the circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Having a Health Care Proxy is one of the best ways to safeguard your autonomy and ensure that your medical treatment aligns with your values and preferences. Make sure your voice is heard, even when you can&#8217;t speak for yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Health Care Proxy allows you to appoint someone you trust, like a family member or close friend, to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make them yourself. Learn more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":38744,"template":"","resource-medium":[107],"resource-subcategory":[114],"class_list":["post-38533","resource","type-resource","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","resource-medium-article","resource-subcategory-advance-directives-options-available"],"translation":{"provider":"WPGlobus","version":"3.0.2","language":"es","enabled_languages":["en","es"],"languages":{"en":{"title":true,"content":true,"excerpt":true},"es":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false}}},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<title>What is a Health Care Proxy? | MJHS Health System<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mjhs.org\/es\/resource\/health-care-proxy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_MX\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is a Health Care Proxy? | MJHS Health System\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mjhs.org\/resource\/health-care-proxy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"MJHS Health System\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MJHS01\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-10T16:05:40+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/mjhs.imgix.net\/2021\/10\/proxy.jpg?fm=pjpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"627\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@MJHS01\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mjhs.org\\\/resource\\\/health-care-proxy\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mjhs.org\\\/resource\\\/health-care-proxy\\\/\",\"name\":\"What is a Health Care Proxy? | MJHS Health System\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mjhs.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mjhs.org\\\/resource\\\/health-care-proxy\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.mjhs.org\\\/resource\\\/health-care-proxy\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/mjhs.imgix.net\\\/2021\\\/10\\\/proxy.jpg?fm=pjpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-10-26T18:10:03+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-10T16:05:40+00:00\",\"description\":\"A Health Care Proxy allows you to appoint someone you trust, like a family member or close friend, to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make them yourself. 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