Health care proxy

A Health care proxy (pronunciation: /ˈhelθ keər ˈprɒksi/), also known as a Durable power of attorney for health care or Medical power of attorney, is a legal document in which an individual designates another person to make health care decisions if he or she is rendered incapable of making their wishes known. The health care proxy has, in essence, the same rights to request or refuse treatment that the individual would have if capable of making and communicating decisions.

Etymology

The term "proxy" originates from the Latin word 'procurare' meaning 'to take care of', and in this context, it refers to the act of taking care of someone's health decisions. The term "health care" is self-explanatory, referring to the maintenance or improvement of health via the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, recovery, or cure of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in people.

Related Terms

Advance health care directive: This is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves because of illness or incapacity.

Living will: A living will, despite its name, isn't at all like the wills that people use to leave property at their death. A living will, also called a directive to physicians or advance directive, is a document that lets people state their wishes for end-of-life medical care, in case they become unable to communicate their decisions.

Patient advocate: A patient advocate helps patients communicate with their healthcare providers so they get the information they need to make decisions about their health care.

Do not resuscitate (DNR): A do not resuscitate order, or DNR order, is a medical order written by a doctor. It instructs health care providers not to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patient's breathing stops or if the patient's heart stops beating.