Healthcare Proxy vs. Medical Power of Attorney: What They Are and Why They Matter
Most people spend more time planning a vacation than they do thinking about medical decisions they might not be able to make for themselves. But in a medical emergency, those decisions matter deeply, and they often need to be made quickly.
That’s where a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney comes in. These documents ensure that if you’re unable to speak for yourself, someone you trust can speak for you.
Here’s what they are, how they’re different, and how to put one in place.
What Is a Healthcare Proxy?
A healthcare proxy is a legal document that names someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.
The person you choose is often called your healthcare agent or healthcare proxy. They can communicate with doctors, review treatment options, and make decisions based on your wishes and best interests.
A healthcare proxy only takes effect if you are incapacitated. As long as you’re able to make and communicate your own decisions, you remain in control.
What Is a Medical Power of Attorney?
A medical power of attorney serves a very similar purpose. It also names someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you can’t make them yourself.
In many states, the terms “healthcare proxy” and “medical power of attorney” are used interchangeably. In others, one term may be more common or more formally recognized in statute.
Functionally, both documents are designed to do the same thing: ensure that medical decisions are made by someone you trust, rather than by a hospital, court, or default state rules.
How Are They Different?
They aren’t really. The difference is usually less about function and more about terminology and state law.
Some states primarily use the term healthcare proxy.
Others use medical power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney.
Some combine these roles into a broader advance directive that also includes end-of-life preferences.
What matters most is not the name of the document, but that it is valid in your state and clearly names a decision-maker.
Keep in mind that neither of these are a Durable Power of Attorney, which are related to legal and financial matters. You can learn more about those here.
Why These Documents Matter
If you become incapacitated without a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney, doctors may be required to follow state default rules to determine who can make decisions for you. This can cause delays, confusion, or conflict—especially in emergencies or complex family situations.
Having one of these documents in place helps:
- Ensure your medical wishes are respected
- Reduce stress for loved ones during difficult moments
- Avoid family disagreements or uncertainty
- Give doctors clear guidance on who to speak with
Even if you’re young, healthy, or single, these documents matter. Medical emergencies don’t follow a schedule.
How to Create a Healthcare Proxy or Medical Power of Attorney
The process is usually simple:
Choose Your Healthcare Agent
Your agent should be someone you trust to make medical decisions under pressure and honor your wishes, even if they’re difficult.
Many people choose a spouse, partner, adult child, sibling, or close friend. It’s also wise to name a backup agent.
Have a conversation with this person ahead of time so they understand their responsibilities, as well as your values and preferences.
Create the Document
You don’t always need a lawyer.
Many people create a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney using:
– State-provided forms
– Hospital or healthcare system forms
– Reputable online legal platforms that generate state-specific documents
– An estate planning attorney, if their situation is more complex
As with other estate planning documents, the form must comply with your state’s laws.
Sign It Correctly
Most states require these documents to be signed in front of witnesses, a notary, or both. State requirements vary, so it’s important to follow them exactly.
An improperly signed document may not be accepted when it’s needed most. Be sure to check your local requirements when you create and sign your documents.
Make It Accessible
Your healthcare agent should know where the document is stored. It’s also a good idea to share a copy with your primary care physician or include it in your medical records.
Storing it securely with your other important documents ensures it can be accessed quickly in an emergency. Store a copy in your Paige documents tool, and be sure to tell your agent where you keep your paper copy.
Planning That Supports the People You Love
Creating a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney isn’t about making grim decisions. It’s about clarity, trust, and care.
When your wishes are documented and your decision-maker is clearly named, you remove uncertainty at a time when your loved ones need guidance the most.
At Paige, we believe good planning doesn’t just protect documents. It protects people. A healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney is a meaningful step toward that peace of mind.
