A healthcare proxy is best described as what?

• A. A person who administers financial affairs for a patient.
• B. A person authorized to make patient decisions when the patient cannot.
• C. A medical professional who treats the patient.
• D. A legal document outlining a patient’s medical history.

Answer: (B)

A healthcare proxy is a person designated to make medical decisions for a patient when the patient cannot speak for themselves. This role is about choosing or guiding care, not about handling finances or performing medical treatment. The proxy’s authority typically comes from a legal document, such as a durable power of attorney for health care, and they act in accordance with the patient’s known wishes or best interests. It’s different from a medical professional who treats the patient or from a document that simply records medical history. So, the best description is a person authorized to make patient decisions when the patient cannot.