A health care proxy is a legal document that designates an individual to make medical decisions on behalf of another person in the event that they become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves. This individual is often referred to as a healthcare agent or surrogate.

The healthcare proxy allows the designated person to make decisions regarding medical treatments, procedures, and end-of-life care, based on the wishes and values of the person they are representing. This document is an important part of healthcare planning and can help ensure that a person’s medical preferences are honored even if they are unable to communicate them.