Final answer:
A health care proxy is a legally designated individual who makes healthcare decisions on behalf of a patient who is unable to do so. It is included in a living will and supports the principle of autonomy by ensuring a patient's healthcare wishes are respected.
Step-by-step explanation:
An individual that represents the patient when making his or her healthcare decisions is known as a health care proxy. This is a legally designated person who has the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient in the event that the patient is unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves. Often detailed within a living will, a health care proxy is a critical aspect of advance care planning, ensuring a patient’s wishes are honored if they become incapable of participating in their own healthcare decisions.
The concept aligns with the principle of autonomy, which states that patients have the right to self-determination and making informed decisions regarding their health care. In cases where a person cannot express their wishes, having a health care proxy is a way to maintain that autonomy. Additionally, it is important in the realm of personalized medicine that treatment plans are tailored to individual patients, taking into consideration their unique circumstances and wishes, which a health care proxy may be involved in overseeing.