Which statement correctly describes a healthcare surrogate/proxy?

• A. It grants authority to handle financial matters.
• B. It is designated to make healthcare decisions for an incapacitated patient.
• C. It is always a durable POA.
• D. It requires a court to appoint.

Answer: (B)

A healthcare surrogate/proxy is the person chosen to make medical decisions for someone who cannot express their wishes. This role focuses on medical care—consent for treatments, procedures, and end-of-life decisions—guided by the patient’s known preferences or, if unknown, by what’s in their best interests. It's not about financial matters, which is why a durable power of attorney for finances isn’t the defining feature of a surrogate. Some people designate a healthcare surrogate in advance through a health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care, while others may have a court appoint a guardian if no designation exists. The key point is that the surrogate’s authority is specifically to handle medical decisions when the patient cannot.