The health care proxy provides protection for an individual’s right to determine the course of his medical care in the event of incapacity.  If you are at least 18 years old, you can designate a person that will make health care decisions for you if you are unable to make them yourself.  It should only go into effect if you can no longer make decisions for yourself due to physical or mental incapacity. You also have the right to cancel this document at any time as long as you are still of sound mind.

The person you designate as your spokesman or advocate doesn’t have to be a family member.  They only need to be someone you trust will keep your wishes met and speak for you.