What is a health care proxy?

A health care proxy is a legal document that allows you to name someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf in the event that you become incapacitated due to illness or injury. The person you choose is known as your proxy and they are legally obligated to make decisions according to your wishes. In Maryland, there are specific laws governing the creation of a health care proxy. To create a health care proxy, you must have another person witness you signing the document. This person can be anyone 18 years of age or older, and they must be able to attest that you are mentally competent to make a health care decision. Once you have signed the document, you can designate either a single person or multiple people to serve as your proxy. It is important to note that you can designate your proxy to make decisions regarding a specific condition or procedure, or you can also provide them with the authority to make decisions about any kind of medical care and treatment. Additionally, a health care proxy can also specify when a proxy’s authority should begin and end, such as if you wish it to only be valid in the event of long-term incapacity. Finally, your health care proxy should be reviewed and updated regularly as your wishes and circumstances may change.

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