What is a health care proxy?

A health care proxy is a legal document which gives a patient the right to designate another individual to make health care decisions for them in the event that they become incapacitated or are no longer able to make decisions for themselves. This document is also known as a medical power of attorney and is often used in the state of Texas to ensure that a patient’s wishes are honored even if they are unable to express them. The individual designated to serve as a health care proxy must be of sound mind and over the age of 18, and they have the legal responsibility to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient in accordance with their wishes. A health care proxy can cover decisions such as when and if medical treatment should be stopped, choosing a new physician, or signing consent for any necessary medical procedures. It is recommended that individuals take the time to create a health care proxy, as it can provide peace of mind knowing that their health care decisions will be carried out according to their wishes.

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