Tampa Healthcare Surrogate Attorney
While no one wants to think about it, there may come a time when you become incapacitated and can no longer make decisions for yourself. For example, if you suffered a mental disability, you may not be able to make decisions regarding your own health care or finances. If this happens, it could be very detrimental to you, as the court may appoint a guardian over you. With proper planning, though, you can prevent this from happening. Below, our Tampa healthcare surrogate attorney explains more.
What is a Healthcare Surrogate Designation?
A healthcare surrogate designation is a legal document you can draft while you are still considered to have mental capacity, or be of sound mind. Once you have designated a healthcare surrogate, they have the authority to make medical decisions for you, such as the medical treatment you receive. Your healthcare surrogate will only have this authority over your medical care in the event that you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself.
What Responsibilities Does a Healthcare Surrogate Have?
Your healthcare surrogate will have many responsibilities and it is important to know what these are before determining who you want to choose for the role. Your healthcare surrogate will be responsible for the following:
- Consulting with your doctors and other medical providers regarding the treatment you receive, or end-of-life care,
- Providing consent for medical intervention on your behalf,
- Making health care decisions on your behalf according to your own stated preferences, or what they believe to be your preferences,
- Applying on your behalf for government benefits that can cover the cost of your health care, and
- Managing the admittance or transfer from health care facilities, including nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care.
It is often recommended that a Designation of Healthcare Surrogate be used in conjunction with a HIPAA Authorization Form. These forms allow your doctor and other medical providers to share your confidential personal and medical information with another party, such as your healthcare surrogate.
Healthcare Surrogates and Powers of Attorney
Many people confuse healthcare surrogates with powers of attorney, but the two are different. A healthcare surrogate only has the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf, while your power of attorney is authorized to make financial decisions for you. While you can designate different people for each role, it is recommended that you choose individuals who get along and can work together. Additionally, you can revoke either your healthcare surrogate or your power of attorney at any time.
Our Healthcare Surrogate Attorney in Tampa Can Draft Your Documents
At BBDG Law, our Tampa healthcare surrogate attorney is dedicated to helping families prepare for the future. We can help you designate someone as your healthcare surrogate and we can also explore other advance directives with you to create a comprehensive plan that will make sure your future is protected. Call us now at (813) 221-3759 or contact us online to request a consultation and to get the legal help you and your family needs.