Few New Yorkers realize that if they become unable to make their own health care decisions, family members or loved ones have no authority to step in and speak on their behalf unless they have filed a health care proxy. When a person enters a hospital, generally they are asked to complete a health care proxy. However, if there is no hospital stay involved, an attorney should have the necessary forms. Make sure the person you appoint understands your wishes regarding extended health care measures that should be used on your behalf. Those measures include the use of ventilators, artificial nutrition, hydration or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Also connected with a health care proxy is a “do not resuscitate” order. This means you do not want any medical personnel to attempt to use medical technology or techniques to revive you in the event that a medical emergency occurs.

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Useful Links

Information and resources regarding the New York Health Care Proxy Law: https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/patients/health_care_proxy/
 
Link to proxy form:
https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/1430.pdf (includes some additional info)
 
National Healthcare Decisions Day website:
http://www.nhdd.org

Information on Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST): https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/patients/patient_rights/molst/

MOLST Form:
​https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-5003.pdf

National Healthcare Decisions Day Teams Up with The Conversation Project:
http://theconversationproject.org/national-healthcare-decisions-day-teams-up-with-the-conversation-project/