Which term designates a health care proxy authorized to make medical decisions for a patient who cannot speak for themselves?

• A. Durable Medical Power of Attorney
• B. Duty
• C. End-of-Life Principles
• D. Felony

Answer: (A)

A health care proxy is someone you appoint to make medical decisions when you can’t speak for yourself. The term that designates this role is a durable medical power of attorney, a legal document that names your chosen agent and authorizes them to make medical decisions on your behalf. The word “durable” means the authority lasts even if you become incapacitated. This is distinct from a general power of attorney (which may cover finances) and from unrelated terms like duty, end-of-life principles, or felony, which do not identify a medical decision-maker. In practice, the agent follows your known wishes and complies with the law and any advance directives.