The person you appoint by listing them on your Health Care Proxy form can only make decisions once two doctors determine that you have lost the capacity to make decisions for yourself.

You have the choice to give this Agent as little or as much power to make your health care decisions as you wish. This is noted in limitations on the Health Care Proxy form.

It is important to communicate your wants and beliefs regarding artificial nutrition and hydration. You may do this verbally or by writing it on your health care proxy form.

Your Health Care Agent will have the authority to decide if you will receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) unless you specify on the Health Care Proxy form that your agent cannot make this decision for you.

Once your Agent’s authority begins he or she has the right to obtain your medical records so that s/he may make informed decisions about your care.

Your Agent’s decision is final unless an objecting family member or facility obtains a court order overriding the decisions or disqualifying Agent.

Your Agent is not financially responsible for the cost of your care.

Overall your Agent is required to make decisions regarding your health care in accordance with your wishes, religious and moral beliefs and in your best interest.