Who is my health care proxy?
Health care proxy: The person you choose to make decisions about your medical care if you become unable to make them for yourself (My brother is my health care proxy.)
How do I fill out a Massachusetts healthcare proxy?
How do I fill out the form? At the top of the form, print your full name and address. Print the name, address, and phone number of the person you choose as your Health Care Agent. (Optional: If you think your Agent might not be available at any future time, you may name a second person as an Alternate Agent.
Who can invoke a health care proxy in Massachusetts?
competent adult
Under the Health Care Proxy Law (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 201D), any competent adult 18 years of age or over may use this form to appoint a Health Care Agent.
Does a healthcare proxy need to be notarized in Massachusetts?
The person you appoint as your proxy cannot serve as a witness. You do not need to notarize your Massachusetts healthcare proxy.
Can you have 2 health care proxies?
Here’s the pertinent language: Every competent adult shall have the right to appoint a health care agent by executing a health care proxy. The provision goes on to permit the appointment of an alternate agent, but does not speak of appointing multiple agents at the same time.
Can a doctor override a health care proxy?
False. Naming a health care agent proxy does not take away any of your authority. You always have the right, while you are still competent, to override the decision of your proxy or revoke the directive.
Can you decline being a healthcare proxy?
Yes. A person having capacity may revoke all or part of the AHCD at any time. The revocation must be clearly documented by health care providers. ➢ The designation of the agent may be revoked only in writing or by personally informing the SHCP.
What happens if you don’t have a healthcare proxy in Massachusetts?
In the absence of a health care proxy, family members or the medical institution will have to go to court to have someone appointed as guardian and in extreme cases, get specific court authority for specific medical procedures. So, spare your family and appoint someone you trust to serve as health care agent.
Is a medical power of attorney the same as a healthcare proxy?
A Health Care Proxy and Medical POA do the same things. They are a type of advanced healthcare directive, which are legal documents to say what actions should be taken regarding your health and medical treatment if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself due to illness or incapacitation.