Health care proxy is another name for which document?

• A. Durable power of attorney for health care
• B. Advance directive
• C. Power of attorney for finances
• D. Do Not Resuscitate order

Answer: (A)

Health care proxy refers to the durable power of attorney for health care. This document names a trusted person to make medical decisions for you when you’re unable to communicate or consent to treatment, guiding choices about treatments, procedures, and overall care. It stays in effect even if you become incapacitated, ensuring your health care wishes are carried out by someone you trust.

This is different from a power of attorney for finances, which handles financial matters rather than medical ones. A Do Not Resuscitate order is a specific instruction about whether to perform CPR, not a designation of who makes health care decisions. An advance directive is the broader umbrella term for documents outlining treatment preferences; a health care proxy is the particular document that authorizes another person to make those decisions on your behalf.