Health Care Surrogate Form

How to get a health care surrogate drafted in Florida?

A designation of health care surrogate document can be drafted in Florida with the guidance of an experienced estate planning attorney. It is always recommended to have any document that represents you, your health, or your property to be drafted by a legal professional to ensure accuracy, clarity, and precision. The form requires your signature and the signature of two witnesses (neither of whom may be the surrogate) in the presence of a notary. At least one witness must also be someone other than your spouse or blood relative. It’s always good to include an alternate for your health care proxy in the event your first choice is unavailable or unable to fulfill the agreement.

Who should be your health care surrogate?

A health care surrogate should be someone you trust with your life. Pick someone you are confident will fulfill your wishes and who is likely to be available when the time comes. Your surrogate can be your spouse, child, parent, relative, friend, or any individual you choose who meets age and competency guidelines. You should have a conversation with your potential surrogate about your desires and feelings towards the difficult decisions that may come up. Find someone that can put your mind at ease knowing your body will be in good hands if the time comes.

How is a health care surrogate document different than a living will?

A healthcare surrogate form differs from a living will in that the former authorizes a chosen individual to make decisions on your behalf, whereas the ladder provides instructions for end-of-life choices and incapacitation care. The two types of documentation can be conflicting, and it is best not to create the two independent of one another.  It is important to consult an estate planning attorney in Orlando should you have any questions about the difference between these two items. The benefit of the surrogate compared to the directive/living will is that the chosen representative will make decisions on your behalf in any situation. The living will may be more specific regarding your wishes, but it cannot encompass all possible scenarios in which a medical decision must occur. Complications could arise if a situation occurs that is not specified in your instructions. To handle an unexpected manner, authorization is necessary by the individual determined appropriate to represent you according to the laws of your state.

What else should you include with a designation of health care proxy form?

Congress created the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) with the intentions of protecting the privacy of your healthcare information. The Act prohibits health care providers from releasing information unless you have provided consent through a HIPAA release form. The HIPAA document provides permission to a health care provider which allows for the release of medical information and medical billing information to any persons you provide access. This form should be included with your health care proxy form to ensure that any person you intended, including your chosen health care surrogate, may have access to all of your health-related information.

Want to talk to an Orlando estate planning attorney about designating a health care surrogate? If so please call the Finity Law Firm at (407) 636-4066, email us at info@finitylaw.com, or fill out our contact form HERE for a FREE consultation.