Healthcare Power of Attorney
A document that gives another person the authority to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them yourself. Also called a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney in some states.
Legal Definition
A written instrument by which a principal designates an agent to make healthcare decisions on the principal's behalf in the event the principal lacks capacity to make such decisions independently.
Practical Example
Rachel names her sister as her healthcare agent. After a serious car accident leaves Rachel unconscious, her sister works with the doctors to make treatment decisions based on Rachel's known wishes and values.