WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Health's Top Stories
Get a weekly look at the most popular stories on Health.com.
Health care agent
content provided by
Healthwise
A health care agent is a person chosen to make medical decisions for another, should a severe illness or injury occur that makes communication impossible. The document that grants this decision-making power to the person selected is called a medical power of attorney.
A health care agent may also be called a health care proxy or surrogate or an attorney-in-fact.
Although laws vary by state, a health care agent can usually make medical treatment decisions at the end of life or anytime a person is not able to communicate. As soon as a person selects a health care agent, it is important to thoroughly discuss and document medical care preferences, such as when to continue or abandon life-support measures.
Last Updated:
December 27, 2007- Author:
- Jeannette Curtis
- Medical Review:
- Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Shelly R. Garone, MD - Palliative Care
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
