What is a health care proxy?

A healthcare proxy is a document used to designate someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This person is known as an agent, and they can act on your behalf in accordance with the instructions you provide in the healthcare proxy. In the State of Washington, the healthcare proxy is legally binding and is created under the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act. The healthcare proxy includes instructions covering everything from the types of treatments you may want or don’t want, to burial wishes and other important matters. It also allows for your agent to have the power to access your medical records and discuss your care with doctors and other healthcare professionals. In Washington State, any competent adult can create a healthcare proxy. Your healthcare proxy document should be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses. It can also be signed in front of a Notary Public if you prefer. Your healthcare proxy should be kept in a safe place and communicated to your agent, and other important people in your life. Creating a healthcare proxy ensures you have someone you trust to make decisions for you if you become unable to make them for yourself. This is important for anyone planning ahead for their future, and those in the elderly population should make sure they have a healthcare proxy in place.

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What is a health care proxy?

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