Naples Estate Planning Lawyer Explores Healthcare Proxies
The city of Naples has hard working people who want to feel safe as they go through their daily lives. It takes more than a seatbelt and good brakes to feel safe in Naples. People need to know that if something does happen to them that there is someone who can speak on their behalf and make the right medical decisions. That is why the people of Naples need to become familiar with health proxies.
What Is A Health Proxy?
A health proxy is a legal document that outlines who can speak for you when it comes to medical instructions if you are ever unable to speak for yourself. For example, if you are in a car accident but unconscious, your health proxy would be the person who makes the decision on whether or not you get a certain type of medical treatment. When the doctors have options to be considered for your emergency care, your proxy makes those decisions for you.
Who Can Be A Health Proxy?
Any person you choose can be your health proxy. There is no screening process and there are no qualifications a proxy has to meet. If you feel comfortable with a certain person as your proxy, then you can put them in the paperwork.
The Limitations Of A Health Proxy
A health proxy is limited to only making decisions in situations that are outlined in the proxy paperwork. If the paperwork refers to a living will for decisions on life support, then the health proxy would not make that decision. Health proxies are limited to making only the medical decisions as outlined in the paperwork. The proxy cannot make any financial or contractual decisions.
Can My Health Proxy And Power Of Attorney Be The Same Person?
Normally, you are allowed to have your health proxy and power of attorney be the same person. In some cases, this can be a good idea as it allows important decisions to be made quickly. It should also be noted that you can change your health proxy whenever you want, but you have to file official paperwork through your attorney.
How Does Anyone Know Who My Health Proxy Is?
You go through all of the trouble to set up a health proxy and find someone you trust to make the same medical decisions you would, and then your proxy does not get called on when you are in an accident because no one knew who it was. The simplest way to make sure your health proxy gets called at the appropriate moment is to carry a card in your wallet identifying your health proxy, along with their contact information.
Our firm is ready to help you set up your health proxy and give you that peace of mind you deserve. Contact one of our helpful estate planning attorneys today to discuss your health proxy and get the details taken care of as soon as possible.