Which type of advance directive allows a patient to name someone to make healthcare decisions on their behalf?

The type of advance directive that allows a patient to name someone to make healthcare decisions on their behalf is the health care proxy. This document designates another person, known as the proxy agent or healthcare agent, to make medical decisions when the patient is unable to do so themselves, typically due to incapacitation or serious illness.

A health care proxy provides a way for patients to ensure their healthcare preferences are honored by having a trusted individual advocate for them. This is particularly important because medical situations can arise that may require immediate decisions, and having someone designated can alleviate the burden on family members and help ensure that the patient's wishes are respected.

Other options like a living will primarily specify what type of medical treatment a patient may want or not want in the event they are unable to communicate decisions themselves, but do not authorize someone to make decisions on their behalf. A durable power of attorney can be broader and may include financial matters, but it is not specifically designed solely for healthcare decisions. A do not resuscitate (DNR) order outlines a specific wish regarding resuscitation efforts and does not involve the designation of a decision-maker for broader healthcare decisions.