Tampa Healthcare Surrogate Attorney
The ability to direct our own medical decisions is a basic liberty. Unfortunately, there may come a time when you are no longer able to manage your own healthcare decision-making. You can plan ahead for such a contingency, however, by designating a healthcare surrogate to act in your name.
A health care surrogate designation is just one part of a comprehensive Florida estate plan. An experienced Tampa healthcare surrogate attorney can assist you in preparing these documents. Knudsen Law is a full-service Florida estate and probate firm that assists clients in making sure their wishes are known if and when the worst should happen and they are no longer in a position to act for themselves.
What Can a Healthcare Surrogate Do in Florida?
A healthcare surrogate is a person you trust to make healthcare decisions for you in the event of your incapacity. The reason it is important to have a properly drafted and signed designation of a healthcare surrogate is that medical providers are forbidden by law from even discussing your medical condition with someone who is not authorized by you to do so. In other words, even if someone is a close relative like a child, they do not have an automatic right to direct your healthcare decisions in the event of your incapacity.
Under Florida law, you can designate a surrogate to act as your agent, as well as the extent of that surrogate’s authority. Some common powers delegated to a surrogate include:
- The right to receive your health information, including your medical and insurance records.
- The right to make healthcare decisions for you, such as providing informed consent–or refusing or withdrawing consent–for any medical procedure.
- The right to apply for public benefits on your behalf to help pay for your healthcare, such as Medicaid.
- The right to make an anatomical gift of your body after your death.
It is also a good idea to designate one or more alternate (or “backup”) healthcare surrogates. There are a couple of reasons. First, if there is an emergency that requires an immediate decision regarding your healthcare, the first surrogate you designate may not be available. Second, there may be cases where your first choice for surrogate finds themselves unable to make an especially difficult decision, such as whether to terminate life support, and you wish for someone else to step in on your behalf. Also note that you can leave directions regarding end-of-life care directly to your healthcare providers through a Florida living will.
Our Tampa Healthcare Surrogate Lawyers Can Help
It is often difficult for individuals to contemplate the potential need for a healthcare surrogate. But it is important to have these conversations now, while you are still of sound mind, so that if the worst does happen, you know that someone you trust will be looking out for your best interests. If you would like to speak with a dedicated Tampa healthcare power of attorney lawyer, contact Knudsen Law today at (727) 398-3600 to schedule a consultation.
