What is a health care surrogate?

A health care surrogate is a legal document that assigns someone you trust to make medical decisions for you in the event that you cannot make them yourself. This person is known as a health care agent or surrogate and they will be responsible for making decisions on your behalf, taking into account your wishes and best interests. In the state of New Jersey, a health care surrogate is established through the execution of a written document, or Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, signed by the principal (the person who is appointing the health care agent). The document must contain clear language that authorizes the health care agent to make decisions for the principal concerning their health care, including decisions to accept or refuse medical treatment. The health care agent can also make decisions about organ donation and end-of-life care. The document can also specify any conditions or limitations on the health care agent’s ability to make decisions. Once the document is executed, it must be filed in the county clerk’s office and copies should be sent to the principal’s healthcare providers.

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What is a health care surrogate?

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