WHAT IS A FLORIDA DESIGNATION OF HEALTH CARE SURROGATE
A Florida Designation of Healthcare Surrogate enables your surrogate to make medical decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated and cannot make your own decisions. You are empowering someone to make life decisions for you, so your Surrogate needs to be someone you trust and believe will carry out your decisions. You should also designate a Secondary Surrogate to act on your behalf should your Primary Surrogate be unable to perform under the Designation.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF DESIGNATING A SURROGATE
The Designation Of Health Care Surrogate (Designation) identifies your surrogate. Two witnesses must sign the Designation. At least one of whom is neither the spouse nor a blood relative of the maker. The person designated as Surrogate cannot act as a witness to the signing of the document.
Your surrogate and treating physicians should have a copy of the Designation.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LIVING WILL AND A DESIGNATION OF HEALTH CARE SURROGATE
Both documents identify a Surrogate to act on your behalf should you be unable to do so. The Living Will authorizes your surrogate to act on your behalf only if you are incapacitated due to: 1) a terminal illness; 2) a persistent vegetative state or 3) an end-stage condition. The Designation authorizes your surrogate to act on your behalf regarding your care, and the conditions in the Living Will do not apply.
If you are planning for your future and want a Florida Designation Of Healthcare Surrogate, please feel free to call or e-mail The Fuller Firm, LLC. Kevin A. Fuller will schedule a free phone or videoconference consultation to discuss your concerns and advise you regarding the best way to proceed.