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A Friend Born In A Time of Need

Even with the most careful of planning there may still be a need for more to be done. You may have all of your forms completed with copies distributed; and yet, you still need someone to represent you, speak for you, and tell others your wishes on matters in the case of a medical emergency. Who is this person? Your health care agent.

Making Decisions When You Are Unable

Agents are used in many aspects of the professional world. A sports star may have his agent attempt to get the most out of a contract while an actor may want a specific role. An agent is defined as: "One that acts or has the power or authority to act; one empowered to act for or represent another." Although agents can represent another person in many areas, such as business and law, the health care agent specifically acts in your behalf on matters of medical treatment.

You may think that your health care proxy, living will, and medical directives have clearly defined all aspects of the medical care that you might receive; however, who will implement these in your behalf while you are unconscious? What if a procedure is required that is not specified in the proxy or directive? Who answers the question of what specific circumstances are associated with your living will?

Such serious responsibilities are carried out by your health care agent. These carry out your will as expressed not only by forms that are filled out, but also by having personal knowledge of how you think, feel, and act on such matters. But how can you choose such a person?

A Friend In Need, Indeed

One may first think that the best health care agent should be the friend that has known you longer than any other or perhaps a marriage mate. This may be true, but how would they react under pressure? It is a difficult thing to tell the doctor not to resuscitate the patient if their heart stops or to hold off on some unwanted aggressive treatment. Some people, although very close, may not be able to express your wishes in this matter, especially when their personal opinion differs.

What if the person you choose as your agent lives 500 miles away or is frequently out of town and cannot be reached? This would have to be factored into the choice. If they are not available then how can they speak for you? The better choice would be the one who knows you well, although not as much as another, and yet is more available and able to express your wishes in these matters.

Moving can be another difficulty. You may not know anyone at all in your new location and you are now at a great distance from your old agent. What can you do? It may be best to keep your old agent until you have made a new acquaintance and feel comfortable with your choice as agent. When that person agrees to be your agent, then you would want to complete a new proxy that reflects the change. Be sure to inform the old agent so that any of the previous forms they had can be either updated or disposed of.

Pulling It All Together

Your health care agent is that final connection that brings together all of your legal rights in choosing health care options. They speak when you are silent and help carry a load that you are unable to bear. It is a privilege to be such an agent, but it is also a serious responsibility; therefore, when you choose your agent be sure to choose wisely!