What legal instrument allows a designated person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot communicate?

• A. Power of Attorney
• B. Guardianship
• C. Health Care Proxy
• D. Living Will

Answer: (A)

Designating someone to handle medical decisions when you can’t communicate is done with a durable power of attorney for health care. This legal document names an agent you trust to make medical decisions for you, such as consenting to or refusing treatments, choosing providers, and accessing your medical information, all in line with your wishes or your best interests. It stays in effect even if you become incapacitated, which is what lets that person step in without needing a court proceeding. This approach helps ensure your healthcare preferences are followed and can prevent the need for guardianship.

A living will simply states preferences for end-of-life care but doesn’t appoint an agent. A guardianship requires a court to appoint someone to decide for you. A health care proxy is a term often used interchangeably with naming an agent for health decisions, but the durable power of attorney for health care is the formal instrument that accomplishes this designation.