What it is:

A health care proxy allows you to appoint a person to be your agent to make decisions about your health if you are unable to or are incapacitated.

The problems a health care proxy avoids:

• A person who you have not chosen (and would not want) may end up being the person to make end-of-life or health care treatment decisions for you
• Family strife over who should make end-of-life or health care treatment decisions for you
• Potential court involvement (and expense) over who should make end-of-life or health care treatment decisions for you

How a health care proxy protects you:

Appointing an agent avoids any confusion as to whom the doctors should consult about decisions for your medical care. Moreover, if family members disagree about how to proceed, your agent will have the final say in your medical treatment. You can discuss your wishes with your agent to ensure your desires are clear and will be followed.