Health Care Proxy Research Paper

Words: 553
Pages: 3

Basically a proxy is a legal document which allows you to appoint someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on behalf of yourself, when you are incapable of making and executing decisions on your own. Once the health care proxy is effective, the primary individual continues making healthcare decisions as long as he or she is legally competent to decide. It’s just like a power of attorney, for example, a family member or close friend can be allowed to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. By having someone on your side in writing, you can make sure that health care providers follow your wishes. This person can also decide how your wishes apply as your medical condition changes. Those who are involved in your care such as doctors and healthcare professionals must follow your decisions as if they were your own. You may give the person you select as your health care agent as little or as much authority as you want. You may allow this person to make all health care …show more content…
After reading this chapter and watching the videos last night I believe everyone should sign their Advanced Directive form that their providers give them so their wants and wishes are carried out in their own way. So their families know exactly what they would have wanted. I never really took it seriously. Every time my physician would give it to me I’d fold it and stuff it in my bag. Because I have such a big family, I wouldn’t want them fighting over whether to keep me alive or not. After knowing exactly what it is and what it does for me and my family I would want my family to know what I want and carry out my wishes. I’d rather have my family stay together and be at peace knowing that the decision was mines and not be torn and fighting over