Which document allows a patient to designate someone to make healthcare decisions on their behalf?

The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is specifically designed to allow a patient to appoint an individual to make healthcare decisions on their behalf. This legal document grants authority to the designated person, often referred to as a health care agent or proxy, to make medical choices that align with the patient's wishes in situations where they are unable to communicate their preferences.

In contrast, a Living Will focuses on outlining specific medical treatment preferences in situations where the individual is terminally ill or permanently unconscious, but it does not assign someone to make decisions for them. A Healthcare Proxy is typically synonymous with a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare in certain jurisdictions, but the term is often used more broadly and can differ in specific legal contexts. An Advance Directive is an umbrella term that encompasses both Living Wills and Durable Powers of Attorney for Healthcare, but does not specify the act of designating an individual for decision-making. Thus, the most precise choice for designating a decision-maker is the Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.