What is a Health Care Surrogate Designation?
- This is a legal document that makes the wishes of the adult with developmental disabilities known for how they would like to have certain medical situations handled if they become incapacitated and cannot make their own decisions.
- This is a very important document to have the adult with developmental disabilities think through so they can make their wishes known if something happens to them. It is incredibly difficult for family members or friends to make these decisions later if these wishes are not known in advance.
- The medical directive can be taken back by the principal at any time if their wishes change. This can be done verbally or in writing. This provides flexibility as the principal can easily change things as needed if their situation improves over time.