When it comes to your medical care, you likely have very strong feelings about how you want to be treated. The New York State Health Care Proxy lets you (the principal) indicate a trusted person (the proxy) to make medical decisions for you in the event that you cannot state these decisions for yourself. You may give your proxy full discretion or you may place restrictions on the proxy by inserting instructions on the Health Care Proxy form indicating specific treatments you do or do not want administered. Health Care Proxies should be signed before two witnesses.
For many families, it is helpful to discuss your intentions and preferences with them or at least inform them of the designated proxy. In addition, it is a good idea to provide a copy of your completed Health Care Proxy to your health care providers so that your wishes are on file.
