What is a health care proxy?

A health care proxy is a legal document used in Florida to appoint someone (known as your health care proxy) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself. Usually, it is someone you trust to act in your best interests. In Florida, anyone 18 years old or older can appoint a health care proxy. A health care proxy lets the appointed person know your wishes for medical decisions such as whether or not to use life-sustaining treatments. It also gives them the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself, such as deciding on a medication or a medical procedure. Your health care proxy should be aware of your values and beliefs so they can make decisions that best reflect what you would want. In Florida, the health care proxy must be in writing and signed by you and two witnesses. In addition, your doctor must provide a written declaration that you have been informed of the consequences of executing the document. The document should also be easily accessible when needed. Once your health care proxy is in place, it is important to communicate regularly with your proxy and your doctor about your wishes and health care decisions to ensure that your desires are known.

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