Healthcare Surrogates
Should you be in a position unable to make medical decisions for yourself, either a court can appoint a guardian to make decisions for you or you can pre-appoint health care surrogates (the term in Florida for a healthcare/medical power of attorney).
Health care surrogates have no authority until two physicians have determined you are unable to make your decisions.
Healthcare surrogates are similar to health care power of attorneys.
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Requirements
An attorney is not required to designate health care surrogates, though you may choose to consult an attorney. Free forms may be found here:
Florida State Bar website
Talk to the people you are considering appointing as health care surrogates. They must be at least age 18 and should understand your wishes regarding various medical procedures.
Related topics
In addition to designating health care surrogates, many people choose to create a living will to express your wishes regarding the use of life support in terminal situations when you are unable to make decisions.
Once your documents are complete, it is wise to provide copies to all named health care surrogates and to your primary physician.
Living Wills
A living will is a document used to indicate your wishes regarding the use of life support when a terminal situation arises and you unable to communicate your wishes.
A signed living will makes the decision by your healthcare surrogate easier by removing any doubts as to your wishes in this type of situation.
It is different than a "Do Not Resuscitate" form, which is typically used for pepole who are close to passing.
Download a free Florida living will from the
Florida state bar website.
