Death with Dignity: Appointing a Health Care Surrogate

For individuals who believe they have a right to die on their own terms, there are certain ways to set up end-of-life documents to reflect your wishes and values. Despite being a resident in states like Florida, which do not have laws legalizing assisted suicide for terminally ill patients, residents can create living wills and appoint health care surrogates to act in their interests if they wish to have life-prolonging treatment withheld in certain situations. If you believe in the right to die, there are a few things you should discuss with your appointed surrogate.

You and your health care surrogate should have a conversation about your values. Because your surrogate has the authority to make decisions for you when you are incapacitated, it is imperative that he or she knows how to act in your interest. You should also discuss life-sustaining treatments, and when and how you wish to use or withhold them. Lastly, your surrogate should have a copy of your living will in order to guide decision-making.

Your surrogate should be comfortable answering several medical questions. Make sure to discuss hypothetical medical situations such as the occurrence of a stroke, head injury, or progressive debilitating disease. Also, the surrogate should know whether you want to receive artificial nutrition and fluids, resuscitation attempts, or other life-sustaining treatment.

If you have further questions on this topic or wish to set up end-of-life documents, contact our office at (941) 906-1231 to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.