healthcare proxy

American  

[helth-kair prok-see] / ˈhɛlθˌkɛər ˌprɒk si /

Or health-care proxy

noun

1. a legal document in which a person can appoint someone to make decisions for them about medical treatment in the event that they are no longer mentally competent or able to communicate.

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Etymology

Origin of healthcare proxy

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Ferreira recently spent about $2,000 to update his will, healthcare proxy and account beneficiaries, naming his son as his primary representative.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

The same 100% of people need to have a healthcare proxy and a power of attorney ready in case something bad happens to them and they can’t handle their own affairs for a while.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 9, 2026

You suggested every adult have a power of attorney and healthcare proxy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2025

This is where you need to have a healthcare proxy named as well, so someone can execute the medical decisions.

From Salon • Aug. 30, 2020

We’re going to start to have to have some really hard conversations with their family members or their healthcare proxy, if they have one, about what to do next.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2020