health proxy
Designated medical decider
A health proxy is a person legally designated to make medical decisions on someone's behalf if that person becomes unable to communicate or decide for themselves.
The term also refers to the document establishing this authority: She signed a health proxy naming her sister.
Unlike a living will, which specifies particular wishes, a health proxy grants broad decision-making power to a trusted individual.
- advance directiveDocumented future healthcare preferences
- living willPre-stated medical treatment preferences
- surrogateOne acting for another
- agentOne who acts independently
- decision-makerOne with choosing power
incapacitated · wishes · end-of-life · DNR · life support · intensive care · hospital · advocate · trusted · loved ones · family · spouse · appointed · legal document · healthcare decisions · terminal · do not resuscitate · competent