Having a properly executed healthcare proxy is an integral part of estate planning; the only way to ensure your healthcare proxy is appropriately executed is by having an experienced attorney by your side. At the Falcone Law Firm, our estate planning experts have helped countless individuals and family members throughout New York prepare health care proxies.
What Is The New York Health Care Proxy Law?
The New York Health Care Proxy Law allows you to appoint someone you trust — for example, a family member or close friend – to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. By appointing a health care agent, you can make sure that health care providers follow your wishes. Your agent can also decide how your wishes apply as your medical condition changes. Hospitals, doctors and other health care providers must follow your agent’s decisions as if they were your own. You may give the person you select as your health care agent as little or as much authority as you want. You may allow your agent to make all health care decisions or only certain ones. You may also give your agent instructions that he or she has to follow. This form can also be used to document your wishes or instructions with regard to organ, eye and/or tissue donation.
Health Care Proxies – Additional Information
It is important to note that the signing of your healthcare proxy must be witnessed by two individuals who are not directly interested in your health. Contact us today and schedule a consultation so we can help you accurately prepare your healthcare proxy.