APPOINTING A HEALTH CARE AGENT
IN MASSACHUSETTS
A CATHOLIC GUIDE
FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS
CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
Under Massachusetts law, you may authorize another person to make
health care decisions for you should you lose the ability to decide for
yourself. You can appoint this person, referred to as a "health care
agent", by completing a form called a "health care proxy".
Generally, you will want to choose another person who will make
medical decisions consistent with your personal convictions and
preferences. As a Catholic, you will also want the health care agent's
decisions to comply with the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church.
This Guide:
. Summarizes the Catholic principles that should apply to medical
treatment decision-making;
. Explains the health care proxy procedure; and
. Provides a health care proxy that is suitable for use in Massachusetts
and incorporates Catholic teaching.
The Massachusetts Catholic Conference represents the Bishops of the
four roman Catholic dioceses in Massachusetts and serves as the
official public policy voice for the catholic Church in the Commonwealth.