Health care proxy

A health care proxy is a power of attorney granted as a precaution that is to take effect at a later date (after the occurrence of the insured event, i.e. when the person concerned is no longer capable of making a decision).

A person capable of making a decision on the granting of a power of attorney may at any time state who may act as his or her proxy after losing his or her capacity to act. A certain format is required for the establishment of a health care proxy: this must be drawn up in writing and in person before a notary public, a lawyer or, in simple cases, at an adult protection agency. 

The health care proxy and the occurrence of the insured event must also be registered in a central register, the Austrian Central Directory of Powers of Attorney (Österreichisches Zentrales Vertretungsverzeichnis, ÖZVV), in order to become effective.

Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Justice under the following link.