The Health Care Surrogate document allows you to appoint someone to make health care decisions for you. An alternate person is also selected if the first person is not able to serve or unavailable. A Heath Care Surrogate only acts on your behalf if
you are unable to do so for yourself.

It is suggested you choose two people who have shown special care and concern for you. It is helpful that they have maintained regular contact with you and are familiar with your personal values, religious, moral and cultural beliefs. They may be relatives
or friends. These persons do not have to live in the same town or state as you. They just have to be reasonably available by phone.

You will want to have an in depth discussion with them about your goals of care and wishes for end-of-life care. They will have the authority to make all medical decisions on your behalf, including withholding and withdrawing of life-prolonging
equipment or procedures if necessary.

Your Health Care Surrogate is to make decisions in accordance with your wishes.  They are not to make decisions based on their beliefs but are to represent your wishes in the best way they can.

Signing the Document
To appoint a surrogate, you must be at least 18 years old and mentally competent.  You must sign the document in the presence of two witnesses. Your Health Care Surrogate may not sign the document as a witness. Only one of the two witnesses
may be your spouse or blood relative. This form does not need to be notarized.

You can revoke this document at any time before you become incompetent by destroying the original form and any copies. If you choose to revoke your appointment of a Health Care Surrogate, be sure to let your doctor and family know.

What happens if you do not select in writing Health Care Surrogates?
The State of Florida has an order of relatives closest to you who would be given that authority. For example, if you are married it would be your spouse.