What is a Health Care Proxy, and when is it used?

A Health Care Proxy appoints a health care decision maker or "Health Care Agent" who has the legal authority to make medical decisions for you if you cannot do so.  A Health Care Proxy is specifically authorized by the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Your Health Care Agent is only authorized to act if you lack legal capacity.  Without a Health Care Proxy, your family could be forced to institute a costly Probate Court action to seek the authority to make medical decisions for you.