Understanding Health Care Proxy in New York: A Guide for Patients and Families
As New Yorkers, we often worry about what would happen if we suddenly fell seriously ill and were unable to make our own medical decisions. Who would make decisions for us? Would they know our wishes and preferences? Luckily, there is a solution to this common concern: a health care proxy.
In this blog article, we’ll explain what a health care proxy is, how it works, and why it’s important to have one. We’ll also provide tips and resources for choosing a proxy and making your wishes known.
What is a Health Care Proxy?
A health care proxy is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This person is called a health care agent or proxy.
The document usually includes a statement that your agent’s authority becomes effective only when your doctor determines that you are unable to make medical decisions for yourself. As long as you are able to make your own medical decisions, you remain in control.
Why Do I Need a Health Care Proxy?
A health care proxy is important because it ensures that your medical wishes are respected and that someone you trust is making medical decisions on your behalf. Without a health care proxy, medical decisions for someone who cannot make their own decisions would otherwise be left to doctors or family members who may not know the patient’s wishes or preferences.
A health care proxy also saves your family members from the emotional distress and anguish of having to make tough medical decisions without knowing what you would have wanted.
How Do I Choose a Health Care Proxy?
When choosing a health care proxy, it’s important to choose someone you trust and who knows your medical history and wishes. This person could be a family member, friend, or another trusted individual.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a proxy:
1. Trust: Your health care agent must be someone you trust to make decisions that align with your values and wishes.
2. Availability: Your agent should be able to be contacted quickly in the event of a medical emergency and should be willing and able to fulfill their duties.
3. Familiarity: Your agent should be familiar with your medical history and lifestyle choices, as well as your values and beliefs.
4. Communication: Your agent should be able to communicate effectively with medical providers and family members.
Once you have chosen your health care agent, it’s important to have a conversation with them about your medical wishes and preferences. You should also provide them with a copy of your health care proxy document.
Resources for Health Care Proxies in New York
If you are interested in creating a health care proxy in New York, there are several resources available. The New York State Department of Health has a health care proxy form and instructions that you can fill out online or print and complete by hand.
You can also consult with your doctor, lawyer, or a social worker for assistance in creating a health care proxy.
Conclusion
A health care proxy is an essential document that ensures your medical wishes are respected and that someone you trust is making medical decisions on your behalf. Choosing a health care agent who knows your medical history, is trustworthy, available, and can communicate effectively is crucial. By having a health care proxy in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that your medical wishes will be honored in the event that you become unable to make your own medical decisions.
Sources:
New York State Department of Health. (n.d.). Health Care Proxy. Retrieved from https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/patients/health_care_proxy/
New York State Bar Association. (2020). Health Care Proxy. Retrieved from https://www.nysba.org/healthcareproxy/
