Who could refuse medical care and ambulance transport on behalf of a patient without capacity?

A health care agent listed on a proxy form holds the legal authority to make medical decisions on behalf of a patient who lacks the capacity to make those decisions themselves. This designation is part of the health care proxy laws, which allow individuals to appoint someone they trust to act in their best interests regarding medical care when they are unable to do so.

In contrast, a family member without any legal documentation does not have the same authority to refuse care since such decisions typically require formal legal evidence of consent or decision-making power. Likewise, a neighbor lacks both the legal standing and the personal connection necessary to make health care decisions for someone else. Similarly, a Nursing Assistant, although trained in patient care, does not have the legal authority or responsibility to make decisions regarding the refusal of medical treatment, as that role is reserved for designated health care agents or individuals with legal authority.