what is the difference between health care proxy and durable power of attorney
By contrast, the power of attorney does not have to report to a court, and the durable power of attorney document typically does not require that the power of attorney report to anyone about how money is spent. The durable power of attorney is usually permanent. A guardianship or conservatorship can be temporary, but often becomes permanent after the court learns that the elder needs a permanent guardian after the temporary one reports to the court.
What is the difference between a living will and health care proxy? A living will is a written statement of an individual's wishes regarding medical treatment. The statement is to be followed if the individual is unable to provide instructions at the time medical decisions need to be made. The health care proxy is significantly different from the living will in that it empowers another person (the agent) to make health care decisions if the patient cannot do so herself. The living will, on the other hand, has no such provision but enables a person to express her own choices regarding medical treatment. It makes sense to utilize both a living will and a health care proxy. Do you have to write an advance directive? No. Signing a living will or health care proxy is voluntary. No one can require an individual to complete either directive. Note: The approved New York State Health Care Proxy is available on the Internet in English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian at New York State Department of Health, Consumer Information. There are various living wills available.