Who do you wish to make health care decisions for you when you can’t make them for yourself any longer?

If you are not able to make your own health care decisions, you have the right to appoint a Health Care Agent (or other term that may be used such as proxy, representative, or surrogate).

This person will make health care choices if both of these things happen:

• Your attending or treating doctor finds you are no longer able to make health care choices, AND
• Another health care professional agrees that this is true.

Choose someone you who knows you well, cares about you, and who can make difficult decisions on your behalf.  Choose someone who is able to stand up for you so that your wishes are followed.  Whether you choose a spouse, family member, or friends as your Health Care Agent, make sure that this person agrees to respect and follow your wishes.

For more information on Advanced Directives and to print a copy of one to be notarized, please download the Winston Medical Center Policy for Advanced Directives below.