- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Doctors Signing Off on Disability Claims Without Seeing Patients
Report highlights concerns over healthcare proxies being endorsed without proper medical assessment
Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:23am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A recent report has revealed a concerning trend where healthcare proxies are being signed off by doctors without actually seeing the patients. This raises serious questions about the integrity of advance care planning and the fundamental trust placed in the medical system. The issue stems from systemic pressures and time constraints faced by healthcare providers, as well as a lack of awareness among patients and their families about the importance of a thorough review process.
Why it matters
This practice not only violates legal requirements for healthcare proxies, but also undermines the principles of informed consent and patient autonomy. If a proxy is deemed invalid, a patient's wishes may not be honored, potentially leading to unwanted or inappropriate medical interventions. Addressing this issue is crucial to upholding the integrity of the healthcare system and ensuring patients' rights are protected.
The details
The New York Health Care Proxy Law allows individuals to appoint a trusted person to make healthcare decisions if they become incapacitated. However, the ease of obtaining a proxy form does not guarantee its validity or that the process is being followed correctly. The law requires two witnesses to attest to the endorsement, but superficial review is becoming increasingly common due to healthcare providers facing increasing administrative burdens and shorter appointment times.
- The New York Health Care Proxy Law has been in place for several years.
- The recent report highlighting this concerning trend was published in March 2026.
The players
New York Health Care Proxy Law
A law that allows individuals to appoint a trusted person to make healthcare decisions if they become incapacitated.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
A healthcare provider that offers resources and forms for advance care planning, including healthcare proxies.
New York State Department of Health
The state agency that provides information and resources on the healthcare proxy law and advance care planning.
What’s next
Healthcare institutions need to implement stricter oversight mechanisms to ensure that proxy forms are reviewed thoroughly, including mandatory training for physicians on the proper procedures for endorsing proxies and regular audits of proxy documentation. Patient education is also critical, as individuals need to be informed about their rights and the importance of having a meaningful conversation with their doctor about their healthcare wishes.
The takeaway
This issue underscores the need for vigilance and a commitment to upholding the principles of patient autonomy. The healthcare proxy is a powerful tool, but only if it is used responsibly and with integrity. Addressing this problem requires a multi-pronged approach of strengthening oversight, improving patient education, and exploring technological solutions to enhance the verification process.
