What is the advance directive that designates another person to make health care decisions when you cannot?

• A. Living Will
• B. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
• C. Power of Attorney for Finances
• D. Health Care Proxy

Answer: (B)

Appointing a health care agent through a durable power of attorney for health care. This document designates someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you cannot communicate or make decisions yourself, and it stays in effect even if you become incapacitated. It’s different from a living will, which states your treatment preferences but doesn’t name a decision-maker. A power of attorney for finances covers financial matters, not health care. Some places use the term health care proxy for the same idea, but the formal designation described here is durable power of attorney for health care. Having this in place ensures your medical choices are guided by your wishes through the person you’ve chosen; share the document with your doctors and your appointed agent.