What is a health care proxy?

A health care proxy is a legal document that allows you to designate a person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so due to illness or incapacitation. This document is important for those living in Virginia, as Virginia law does not recognize living wills as binding. A health care proxy, on the other hand, is legally binding in the state and is considered part of elder law. When creating a health care proxy, you must designate an agent who will make medical decisions on your behalf. Your agent should be someone you trust and who understands your values and wishes. You can also specify in the document what type of decisions they are allowed to make. For example, you could allow your agent to make decisions only when you are unable to speak for yourself or only when you are in a terminal condition. Additionally, you can include a statement of your wishes or values in the document. This can help guide your agent when making decisions that conform to your beliefs. All adult Virginia citizens are eligible to create a health care proxy, as it provides important protection for those who become incapacitated. Overall, a health care proxy is a legal document designed to protect you if you become incapacitated and are unable to make your own medical decisions. The document allows you to designate an agent whom you trust and outline the type of decisions they are authorized to make. Additionally, you can include a statement of values that can help guide your agent.

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What is a health care proxy?

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