Health Care Proxy

1. What Is A Health Care Proxy and what does it do?

A Health Care Proxy is the document by which a trusted friend or relative is appointed to make health care decisions should you be unable to do so.

The Health Care Proxy establishes a decision-making process that allows competent adults to appoint an agent to decide about health care in the event they become unable to decide for themselves. The Proxy Law does not affect any other rights that adults have to make or express decisions about health care, including decisions about life-sustaining treatment.

2. Can I Give the Proxy Directions and Guidance?

Certainly, you may provide an outline of exactly what your desires are for a variety of medical situations.

3. Can I Change the Directions or the Person Named?

Yes, at any time.

4. What Should be Done With the Document After I Sign It?

One copy should be in the file of your primary care physician, one copy in the possession of the person named, one copy with your attorney and one copy with your personal papers.

5. What Happens If the Person Named Cannot Serve?

If possible, you should name an alternate person in the document. If an alternative person in not named in the Proxy, and the named individual either resigns, dies or is otherwise unable, no person would have the power to make health care decisions on your behalf without resorting to a court for authority.

6. How Can a Health Care Proxy Benefit me?

A health care proxy allows you to make your own medical decisions in the event you become unable to do so in the future. It also relieves this burden from your loved ones.


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Marc H. Weissman, Esq.
Cobert, Haber & Haber
190 Willis Avenue, Suite 130
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 248-7844 x3

Office appointments available in all five boroughs.
Email: Marc@CobertHaber.Com