What is the term used for a legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone to make health care decisions on their behalf?

The term "Designation of Health Care Surrogate" refers to a legal document specifically designed to appoint an individual to make health care decisions on behalf of another person when they are unable to do so themselves. This document provides clarity about a person's preferences regarding medical treatment and ensures that decisions are made in accordance with their wishes.

In this context, the surrogate is empowered to make decisions regarding medical care, which can include consent for treatments, choices about medical procedures, and other healthcare-related matters. This is critical in situations where the patient is incapacitated and unable to communicate their desires.

While a "Healthcare Proxy" and "Power of Attorney" may sometimes serve similar functions, their definitions differ. A Healthcare Proxy is more commonly understood in certain jurisdictions as a document assigning someone to make health care decisions, but the designation process is more individualistic and can differ based on the legal requirements of each state. A Power of Attorney is typically broader and can encompass financial matters alongside medical decisions but does not specifically focus solely on healthcare.

A "Living Will," on the other hand, outlines a person's preferences for medical treatment in scenarios where they cannot express their wishes, but it does not appoint someone to make those decisions on their behalf. Each of these documents plays a distinct role