HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES · FLORIDA
Your medical wishes, in your own words.
Designation of health care surrogate
Your health care surrogate can consult with your doctors, review records, consent to or refuse treatment and make decisions about care facilities when you are unable to decide for yourself. You can also choose to let your surrogate act immediately, even while you have capacity, which can help with appointments and paperwork.
We recommend naming at least one alternate surrogate.
Living will
A living will, also called an advance directive, states whether you want life-prolonging procedures if you have a terminal condition, an end-stage condition or are in a persistent vegetative state with no reasonable chance of recovery. It spares your loved ones from guessing what you would want.
HIPAA authorization
Privacy rules can keep family members from getting information about your care. A HIPAA authorization lets your providers share medical information with the people you name, so your surrogate and family can stay informed.
Florida signing requirements
In Florida, the designation of health care surrogate and the living will must each be signed in front of two adult witnesses, and at least one witness cannot be your spouse or a blood relative. Your surrogate cannot serve as a witness to your designation.
YOUR HEALTH CARE PACKAGE
- Designation of health care surrogate (with alternates)
- Living will / advance directive
- HIPAA authorization
- Copies for your doctors and family
- Coordinated with your power of attorney and trust
Talk it through with our team
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions families ask
Someone who knows your values, can stay calm under pressure, and will follow your wishes even if others disagree. It does not have to be a family member.
No. A Do Not Resuscitate order is a medical order signed by a physician, typically on a specific state form. A living will states your broader wishes. Talk with your doctor about whether a DNR is appropriate.
Florida law provides a list of people who may act as a health care proxy, but disagreements and delays are common. Naming your own surrogate avoids that uncertainty.
Yes. Your surrogate, alternates and primary doctor should have copies, and you should keep the originals somewhere easy to find.
