How do you become a designated healthcare representative?

If a person wants you to be their designated healthcare representative, they can name you in their advance healthcare directive.

They can also name you as an alternate designated healthcare representative. This means you would only act in the role if the original representative is unable to continue in their role for any reason.

If you agree be the person's designated healthcare representative, you must sign the advance healthcare directive to confirm that you are willing to act on their behalf. The directive must also be signed by the person and two witnesses.

You can only exercise your powers as a designated healthcare representative if 

• the person loses their ability to make healthcare and treatment decisions and
• the decision is one that is included in the advance healthcare directive