A Healthcare Proxy is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint another person to make healthcare decisions on their behalf in the event that they become incapacitated and are unable to communicate their wishes. This appointed individual, known as the proxy or agent, is entrusted with the authority to make medical decisions in accordance with the principal’s values and preferences.
The Healthcare Proxy is a key component of advance healthcare planning, complementing other documents such as Living Wills. While a Living Will outlines specific medical treatments an individual desires or wishes to avoid, a Healthcare Proxy grants broader authority to the designated agent to make decisions based on the circumstances at hand.
In Texas, the process of creating a Healthcare Proxy involves completing a written document that complies with state laws. The individual creating the proxy (the principal) must be of sound mind and at least 18 years old. The appointed proxy should be someone the principal trusts, such as a family member or close friend, who understands the principal’s values and preferences regarding medical care.
For example, if a person suffers a severe injury and is unable to express their wishes regarding treatment options like life support or surgeries, the Healthcare Proxy allows the designated agent to make those critical decisions based on the knowledge of the principal’s desires. The document is typically signed in the presence of witnesses or a notary public to ensure its validity.
It’s essential for individuals in Houston and the surrounding areas of Texas to discuss their wishes with their chosen proxy and have open conversations about healthcare preferences to ensure that their values are respected in critical medical situations.
« Back to Glossary Index