Which of the following is essential for a legal health care proxy?

A legal health care proxy is an important document that allows an individual to designate another person to make medical decisions on their behalf in the event they are unable to do so themselves. For a health care proxy to be considered valid, it is crucial that it is signed by the person granting the authority, as this signature indicates their consent and intent to designate someone as their decision-maker in health care matters.

The act of signing is foundational because it fulfills the requirement of clear communication of the individual's wishes and ensures that the appointed proxy has the legal authority to act on their behalf. This legal requirement helps protect the individual's rights and assures health care providers that they are following the patient's preferences.

Other factors, such as notarization, the number of witnesses, or filing requirements, may vary by state or jurisdiction but are not universally mandatory for the establishment of a legal health care proxy. While some states may have specific rules regarding these aspects, the key element is the individual's signature indicating their choice of proxy.