Who needs a Health Care Proxy Form?
A Health Care Proxy is the form designed to be used in the New York State by an individual who wish to encharge another person (a close friend or a family member) to take health care decisions in case the applicant becomes unable to make decisions on their own.
What is the Health Care Proxy Form for?
New York State Health Care Proxy is a legal document that makes possible to indicate a person who you trust to make health care decisions for you and in advance give consideration to agreeable treatment options. However, this will be possible only in case if your health care provider claims you unable to decide on your own.
Is Health Care Proxy Form accompanied by other forms?
No, there is no need to add any attachments to this form.
When is Health Care Proxy Form due?
Filing of the Form is voluntary and can be done at any point of time.
As for the Health Proxy validity period, it can be specified in the form as a certain date or if certain event occurs. If the end date is not specified, the NYS Health Care Proxy shall be considered termless.
In case, you want to change a person appointed, you should simply file a new form.
If the person appointed is your spouse and you get legally divorced or separated the Health Proxy will become no longer valid. (Unless other is specified in the signed form).
How do I fill out the Health Care Proxy Form?
The Health Care Proxy must be filled out in front of two adult witnesses.
As for the contents, there is a thorough instruction at the beginning of Form.
Where do I send the Health Care Proxy Form?
A copy of the Health Care Proxy should be directed to the person appointed as an agent, filer’s attorney, doctor and other persons considered appropriate (family members and friends). The original copy should be kept in an easily accessible place. If you get into the hospital, take a copy of your Health Care Proxy too.
