What a Representation Agreement is

A Representation Agreement is a document to authorize representative(s) you have named to act with you or on your behalf with respect to your medical and person care decisions.

You designate someone you trust as your representative to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to communicate your wishes. This can include decisions about medical treatments, medications, surgeries, and end-of-life care.

Beyond healthcare, a representative can also make personal care decisions such as where you will live, what types of social and recreational activities you will engage in, and who can visit you.

Your appointment representative is legally entitled to your medical information, which they may not otherwise be. Medical professionals are bound by doctor-patient confidentiality and cannot release information without your consent.

In specific situations set out in law, medical professionals can consult with a temporary substitute decision maker to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are not able. There is a hierarchy of individuals that may make those decisions. If you would like to appointment someone different than the default law, you must do so in a representation agreement. Temporary substitute decision makers also have limited decision making powers in comparison to an appointed representative.