What legal document allows an individual to appoint someone to make health care decisions on their behalf?

The legal document that permits an individual to appoint someone to make health care decisions on their behalf is known as a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. This document grants a designated person, often referred to as an agent or representative, the authority to make medical decisions when the individual is unable to do so themselves.

The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care is particularly important in situations where an individual may be incapacitated due to illness or injury, ensuring that their health care preferences are followed according to their wishes. This power can be tailored specifically for health care decisions and can include instructions regarding specific treatments, end-of-life care, and other critical medical choices.

While a Living Will addresses specific medical treatments an individual desires or does not desire in certain situations, and an Advance Directive is a broader term that can encompass both a Durable Power of Attorney and Living Will, the primary functionality of appointing an agent specifically for health care decisions aligns best with the characteristics of a Durable Power of Attorney. A Health Care Proxy essentially serves the same purpose as a Durable Power of Attorney but is often used in certain jurisdictions. Thus, selecting Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care captures the specific intention behind appointing someone to make health care decisions.