Little do you know the importance of what can transpire as your life goes on to an unexpected place and your family are left to make difficult life decisions. The following are various health care proxy options with respect to "end of life" proxy authorization/instructions when you are incapable of making such decisions.  The health care proxy can include any type of instructions you wish with respect to limitations and/or choices for end of life decision making by a proxy on your behalf.  The health care  proxy takes effect in the event you become unable to make your own health care decisions.

Following are a sample of instructions:

1.    If there is no chance of recovery - you should be allowed to die.

If a situation should arise in which there is no reasonable expectation for my recovery from extreme physical or mental disability, I direct that I be allowed to die, and not be kept alive by:

        1.    antibiotics or other medications;
        2.    artificial induced nutrition or hydration;
        3.    artificial respiration;
        4.    dialysis;
        5.    blood transfusion or blood tests;
        6.    laboratory tests;
        7.    cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
        8.    electric shock therapy;
        9.    psycho surgery.
      10.    intubation
       11.   nasogastric tube, gastrostomy tube, or hyper alimentation

2.    Extraordinary means, with time limits:

I want to be kept alive as long as possible, including use of extraordinary measures, however, I do wish to receive medication to alleviate pain and suffering, even though this may shorten my life; except that after four (4) consecutive months have passed since the onset of a severe and irreversible illness or disability, if my health care proxy receives written opinions from three (3) independent physicians familiar with my health condition, indicating that I will remain in a permanently vegetative state and that my life can only be continued by machinery attached to or inserted in me, I then consent to and wish my health care proxy to have any life sustaining machinery removed, to the placement of  a “do not resuscitate order” on me, allowing me to die and not to be kept alive by:

        1.    antibiotics or other medications;
        2.    artificial induced nutrition or hydration;
        3.    artificial respiration;
        4.    dialysis;
        5.    blood transfusion or blood tests;
        6.    laboratory tests;
        7.    cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
        8.    electric shock therapy;
        9.    psycho surgery.
        10.  intubation
        11.  nasogastric tube, gastrostomy tube, or hyper alimentation

The above instruction can be revised to not include any time limit, so that if 3 doctors agree at any time that you will remain in a vegetative state and that there is no chance of your living without being attached to machinery (and presuming you are unable to communicate your wishes) then your proxy may withdraw life support and allow you to die.

3.    Extraordinary means - no limitations:

    NOTE: I  realize that  unless I  specifically  limit  my agent's  authority below, he or she will have full authority to make decisions  about  my life,  such as artificial  nutrition and hydration.  Accordingly, I  prescribe the following:     All means including extraordinary measures are to be taken to sustain my life.

Conclusion:

The above Health Care Proxy choices are only meant as an example, and after discussion with you, we will craft a solution that is right for you and your family.  We do recommend that you select a primary health care proxy and one alternate, in the event your primary choice is not available.  

I am a Elder Care lawyer handling all aspects of Wills, Estate, Trust and Medicaid planning. I find solutions for you when life happens. Let me help you take the worry out of caring, now and in the future. You can reach me at 516-829-9614.

I am a New York and New Jersey attorney admitted to practice in all State and NY/NJ Federal Courts. I am a CLE lecturer in estate administration and concentrate in: * Elder Law * Special Needs * Trusts * Estates * Wills * Real Estate * Guardianships * Advance Directives * My office is in Valley Stream with a satellite in Great Neck. I am available to meet clients at either location, but also make home and hospital visits if needed. My goal is to remove worries from your life so you can focus on caring about yourself and those you care about.