Appointing a Trusted Person for Your Medical Decisions

Everyone who visits the hospital is offered a health care proxy form. This is an important step in planning your care.

What Is a Health Care Proxy?

A health care proxy is a person you choose to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to speak for yourself—for example, if you're unconscious or very sick.

This trusted person can help guide your care and make choices based on what you would want. They might help decide:

• What kind of treatment you get
• Whether to continue or stop certain care

Who Should You Choose?

Pick someone you trust—such as a family member, partner, or close friend—who understands your values and wishes.

When Should I Choose a Health Care Proxy?

It’s best to choose your health care proxy before you come to the hospital to have your baby. That way, your care team knows who to turn to if you need support making medical decisions.

You can ask your provider for a health care proxy form at any time, fill it out, and return it to be added to your medical record.