The Importance of Designating a Health Care Surrogate

The Importance of Designating a Health Care Surrogate

We’re often asked by clients how they can make sure that their medical wishes are carried out in the event of illness or injury. The designation of a Health Care Surrogate addresses this concern by giving a person you select the ability to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. The document can be made effective immediately upon your signing it or can be designed to become effective only when you cannot make decisions for yourself due to incapacity.

This is an important decision because the Florida Health Care Surrogate Act allows your surrogate to make medical decisions for you when you are unable, access your health information, and communicate with healthcare professionals. If you make the document effective immediately, the surrogate can make decisions even when you have capacity, but you retain the right to override their decisions. There are numerous guidelines and protocols that medical professionals must follow to ensure that your wishes are being followed, and it is crucial that you have current forms to ensure that you are communicating your wishes clearly and in compliance with Florida Statutes.

If you need help creating a Designation of Health Care Surrogate, or want to make sure that your current forms are up-to-date, please do not delay and set an appointment with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate, and caring Elder Law Attorneys.

With offices in Orange Park, Jacksonville, Julington Creek, and St. Augustine, our Elder Law Attorneys clients in North Florida with all their Estate Planning needs.

We are your Florida First Coast Elder Law Attorneys.