In order for a health care proxy to be valid it must:

• Include your name
• Include the name of your health care agent
• Include a statement that you intend the agent to have the authority to make health care decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to speak for yourself in the future.
• Be signed and dated with the witnesses present either with your signature, or if you are unable to sign your proxy, another adult can sign for you at your request
• Be signed and dated by two witnesses (who are not your agent or alternate agent) who state that you appeared to execute the proxy willingly.

The online tool ensures that all of these requirements are met.

Under New York State law you also have the option to:

• State your treatment wishes or limitations on the agent’s authority
• Name an alternate agent (who can serve as your health care agent if the original agent is unable, unwilling or unavailable to act as your health care agent)
• State your wishes regarding organ and/or tissue donation
• State an expiration date or describe circumstances that would trigger expiration

Important: In New York State your agent cannot make decisions regarding artificial nutrition and hydration unless you authorize them to do so.

The online tool gives you the option of adding any and all of these options to your proxy. 

Get Help With:
Naming an Agent
Generating Instructions for your agent
Addressing artificial nutrition and hydration
Addressing organ and/or tissue donation