A healthcare proxy is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone else to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to make those decisions themselves.
A healthcare proxy ensures that the healthcare agent has the authority to make healthcare choices that align with the individual's values, preferences, and known wishes.
HCP can be any person chosen by the individual, often a trusted family member, legal guardians, healthcare professionals or close friend, who is willing to act as their representative.
Eligibility as health care proxy typically include the proxy being of legal age, mentally competent, absence of conflicts of interest, and not being the individual's healthcare provider.
Duties of HCP include, communicating with individual's healthcare providers, ensuring their wishes are respected, and making informed decisions regarding their medical treatment.
The cost of a health care proxy varies depending on the region and the specific requirements, but it typically ranges from $5 to a few hundred dollars for drafting and notarization.