When you cannot make medical decisions for yourself, who do you want to make those decisions for you? For many people, this healthcare directive decision can make a big difference in the care they receive if they are incapacitated for any reason. Call our Coral Gables office and learn how healthcare surrogates are granted the power to make those decisions on behalf of the principal, or the party that grants them that power.
Healthcare surrogates are granted the power to make medical decisions if the principal, or the person who grants them those powers, is incapacitated in some way or cannot make those decisions on their own. That includes decisions like:
A healthcare surrogate also has full access to the patient’s medical records, which can help them make decisions based on the patient’s condition and needs.
To be valid in Coral Gables or anywhere else in Florida, a healthcare surrogate must have the physical and mental capacity to take on the role and make key decisions for the principal. They must act in the best interests of the patient, including making decisions based on what they know the patient would have wanted, or stated that they wanted in the past.
A healthcare surrogate’s responsibility is not activated until a medical professional determines that the principal is incapacitated and cannot make their own medical decisions.
Selecting a healthcare surrogate is critical for individuals who want to make sure their healthcare wishes are carried out even when they cannot advocate for themselves. If an individual without a healthcare surrogate is incapacitated, the default decision-maker may be the spouse or parents—but for some people, that is not the person they want to make decisions on their behalf.
When selecting a healthcare surrogate, there are several factors to keep in mind. First and foremost, the principal should choose someone who has the physical and emotional capacity to make those decisions. Choosing healthcare on someone else’s behalf can prove incredibly stressful, so the surrogate should be able to manage those responsibilities. Second, a healthcare surrogate should be someone who will make the choices that the principal would make for themselves, rather than acting in their own best interests.
Healthcare surrogates are usually designated through an advanced health directive. This directive is a key part of estate planning for many individuals, and lays out the principal’s medical desires. It may include information about the steps the principal wants to have taken, what life-saving measures they would like used on their behalf, and their designated healthcare surrogate.
Appointing healthcare surrogates is a big decision for many individuals. If you are ready to appoint this role, you want to make sure the process is legalized and documented so that if you are medically incapacitated, your designated surrogate will be the one to make those decisions. Reach out to Veliz & Associates, P.A., to learn more about the estate planning process and what documents you need to address. We have been loyal to Coral Gables for years and are committed to ensuring you can name your desired healthcare surrogate.
We evaluate your case and determine how we might be able to help.
We will meet with you to discuss your next options and lay out a plan.
Our team guides you throughout the process so you feel confident about your choices.
(305) 250-9917