Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Health care agent

A health care agent is a person you choose to make medical decisions for you if a severe illness or injury makes it impossible for you to speak or decide for yourself. The document that grants this decision-making power to the person you select is called a medical power of attorney.

A health care agent may also be called a health care proxy or health care surrogate. The medical power of attorney may also be called a durable power of attorney for health care. The agent and the document may be called something else in your state.

Laws vary by state. But a health care agent can usually make medical treatment decisions at the end of life or anytime a person is not able to communicate. As soon as you choose a health care agent, it's important to talk about and write down your medical care preferences. For example, you would talk about when to continue or stop life-support measures.

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