How can I choose a representative for my health care decisions?
Why is having a health care surrogate important?
In Florida, individuals have the option to designate a representative, known as a health care surrogate, who can make important medical decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated or are unable to communicate their preferences. If no health care surrogate is designated, a health care proxy can fulfill this role instead. Additionally, parents have the authority to appoint a health care surrogate for their children who are still minors.
In many instances, individuals other than yourself are not authorized to make your health care decisions. This includes partners, siblings, and other close family members. Without a legally documented instruction naming a health care surrogate, the attending physician will make medical decisions based on their professional judgment, which may not align with your own wishes. Designating a health care surrogate allows for someone to communicate on your behalf.
The selection of a trusted individual to act as your health care surrogate is an essential decision for your long-term wellbeing. This person must be above the age of 18 and fully aware of your specific healthcare preferences. Depending on the authority granted, your chosen surrogate will have the ability to give or deny consent for any treatment, seek benefits on your behalf to assist with healthcare expenses, access your complete medical records to make informed decisions, and consent to organ donation.
A healthcare proxy or a healthcare surrogate is a document where you’re appointing an individual to make your healthcare decisions if you’re unable to do so on your own. It’s very important that in naming a healthcare surrogate you also consider naming one or more backups to serve in the event that the primary prescription themselves becomes deceased or incapacitated.
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