What describes a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for health care?

• A. A legal document designating a person to make health care decisions for the client.
• B. A document that records medical treatment wishes only for end-of-life.
• C. A form that authorizes hospital admission.
• D. A consent for medical research enrollment.

Answer: (A)

A healthcare proxy, or durable power of attorney for health care, is a legal document that designates a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf when you’re unable to communicate or consent to treatment. The “durable” part means it stays in effect even if you later lose capacity. The appointed person — the surrogate — has authority to authorize or refuse treatments, choose among care options, and advocate for your preferences within the scope you’ve granted. This is about who makes decisions, not what those decisions should be; if you’ve expressed specific wishes elsewhere, those can guide the surrogate, but the proxy itself is the authority to decide. It’s not a tool for admitting you to a hospital, nor is it a consent form for enrolling in medical research.