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Comprehensive Information on Healthcare Proxies and Advance Directives
Planning for unexpected medical decisions is an important part of preparing for the future. In Camp Pendleton North, a healthcare proxy lets you name a trusted person to make healthcare decisions when you are unable to speak for yourself. This guide explains what a healthcare proxy does, how it fits into an estate plan, and why residents of San Diego County should consider putting one in place. LA Estate Plans helps local clients create clear, legally compliant directives that reflect personal values and medical preferences while making the process straightforward and approachable.
A properly drafted healthcare proxy works alongside documents like a living will to give your chosen agent authority to make decisions consistent with your wishes. Having a written directive reduces uncertainty for family members and medical teams during stressful situations. For Camp Pendleton North residents, planning ahead can streamline communication with regional healthcare providers and ensure that care choices reflect your priorities. LA Estate Plans focuses on practical document preparation, clear explanations of state requirements, and ongoing support so your healthcare proxy remains valid and useful as circumstances change.
Why a Healthcare Proxy Makes a Difference for You and Your Loved Ones
A healthcare proxy provides legal clarity about who should make medical decisions if you cannot do so yourself. This designation helps avoid disagreements among family members and reduces delays in treatment by giving a named decision maker authority recognized by medical providers. Beyond immediate decision-making, a healthcare proxy communicates your values and preferences so that choices about interventions, comfort measures, and treatment goals match what you would want. For many families in Camp Pendleton North, this planning brings reassurance that difficult choices will be handled in line with the person’s wishes and legal standards in California.
About LA Estate Plans and Our Service to Camp Pendleton North Residents
LA Estate Plans provides estate planning services across California with an emphasis on clarity, personal attention, and compliance with state law. Serving Camp Pendleton North and surrounding areas, the firm assists clients in drafting healthcare proxies, living wills, and supporting estate planning documents. Our approach focuses on understanding each client’s medical values and family dynamics, preparing documents that reflect those priorities, and explaining how they will be used by healthcare professionals. We make it simple to start planning by offering clear guidance on next steps and practical document execution.
Understanding How a Healthcare Proxy Works and When It Applies
A healthcare proxy is a legal instrument that appoints an agent to make medical decisions when you cannot communicate or are judged incapacitated by a treating physician. It specifies who will act on your behalf and may include guidance on preferences for treatments, pain management, and end-of-life care when applicable. In California, the document should be drafted to meet statutory requirements to ensure enforceability in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings. Including a healthcare proxy in a complete estate plan helps tie medical decision-making to other directives and supports coordinated care during critical moments.
Healthcare proxies work together with living wills and powers of attorney to form a full suite of advance planning documents. The proxy specifically covers healthcare choices while other documents may address financial matters or distribution of assets. When preparing a proxy, consider naming alternates in case your primary agent cannot serve, and provide written guidance about values and treatment preferences to help them make decisions. Regular review and updates ensure the proxy remains consistent with changes in relationships, health status, or personal preferences and keeps the document effective over time.
Defining a Healthcare Proxy and Its Purpose
A healthcare proxy is a formal declaration that designates an individual to make medical decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so. It grants the agent authority to consult with medical providers, review treatment options, and make choices that align with your stated wishes and values. The document can include limits or specific instructions, allowing you to tailor the agent’s authority. While it does not replace your voice when you are able, it ensures that a trusted person can act immediately and decisively during medical emergencies or periods of incapacity.
Key Components of a Healthcare Proxy and the Typical Steps to Create One
A valid healthcare proxy includes clear identification of the principal and the chosen agent, the scope of decision-making authority, any special instructions or limitations, and signatures required by California law. The drafting process often involves an initial consultation to discuss preferences, selecting and confirming an appropriate agent, preparing the document with precise language, and completing proper signing and witnessing or notarization where recommended. After execution, distributing copies to the agent, family members, and healthcare providers helps ensure the proxy can be located and honored when needed.
Key Terms to Know When Planning a Healthcare Proxy
Understanding commonly used terms helps you create a healthcare proxy that functions as intended. Knowing definitions for terms like agent, principal, living will, incapacity, and power of attorney clarifies the role each document plays. This section introduces vocabulary that appears on forms and in conversations with medical teams. Learning these terms empowers you to give precise instructions, choose the right person to act for you, and communicate your plan effectively to family and healthcare professionals to avoid confusion during emergencies.
Healthcare Proxy
A healthcare proxy is a legal document naming an agent authorized to make medical decisions when the principal cannot do so. It outlines who will act, the breadth of their authority, and often includes guidance on values and treatment preferences. The proxy becomes operative only under conditions in which the principal lacks capacity to make decisions or communicate effectively. As part of advance planning, this document provides a clear chain of authority for clinicians and hospitals to follow and reduces uncertainty among loved ones during stressful medical situations.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney grants another person authority to handle financial and legal decisions on your behalf. While a general power of attorney can cover a broad range of matters, a durable power of attorney remains effective during incapacity and can be tailored to include financial management but not necessarily medical decisions unless it specifically does so. Understanding the distinction between financial authority and medical decision-making authority is important so the right documents are in place to manage both personal affairs and healthcare as circumstances require.
Living Will
A living will sets out your preferences for certain medical treatments in situations where you are unable to communicate, particularly regarding life-sustaining measures. It complements a healthcare proxy by providing written guidance that an appointed agent and medical providers can follow. A living will can address choices such as resuscitation preferences, feeding tubes, and other interventions, and it helps reduce ambiguity about what constitutes appropriate care. Combining a living will with a healthcare proxy provides clearer direction during serious or terminal illness.
Incapacity
Incapacity refers to a condition in which an individual is unable to make or communicate informed decisions about medical treatment due to illness, injury, or cognitive decline. Determinations of incapacity are typically made by a treating physician or medical team, following professional standards and, when necessary, documented in medical records. Once incapacity is determined, a valid healthcare proxy may take effect and the appointed agent is empowered to act in the principal’s best interests while adhering to any instructions the principal provided in advance.
How a Healthcare Proxy Compares with Other Advance Planning Tools
A healthcare proxy is focused specifically on medical decision making, while other documents address different needs. A living will records treatment preferences, a power of attorney handles financial matters, and estate planning documents govern property distribution. Together, these instruments create a cohesive plan where each document covers a distinct area of responsibility. Choosing which documents to prepare depends on personal circumstances, health status, and family dynamics. In Camp Pendleton North, combining a healthcare proxy with complementary documents offers practical protection and reduces the likelihood of disputes across both health and financial domains.
Situations in Which a Limited Healthcare Proxy May Be Appropriate:
When Medical Decisions Are Straightforward
If medical choices are expected to be straightforward and you have a close, trusted family member who understands your preferences, a limited healthcare proxy that grants only narrowly defined authority may meet your needs. This approach can be suitable for brief hospital stays or temporary procedures where the range of decisions will likely be routine. A limited proxy reduces the amount of formal documentation while providing clear authority for essential decisions, but it should be drafted carefully to ensure the agent’s authority is sufficient for the anticipated circumstances.
Short-Term or Temporary Medical Situations
A limited proxy may be appropriate for planned surgeries, short-term treatment periods, or predictable recoveries in which temporary decision-making authority is needed. This kind of proxy can grant an agent power only for a defined timeframe or specific medical event, reducing broader authority that is unnecessary for the short duration. For Camp Pendleton North residents facing brief hospitalizations or temporary incapacitation, a focused proxy provides the necessary authority for swift decisions while keeping overall planning simple and targeted.
When a Full Healthcare Proxy and Comprehensive Planning Are Recommended:
Managing Complex Medical Histories
Individuals with complex medical histories, multiple chronic conditions, or nuanced treatment preferences benefit from a comprehensive healthcare proxy that provides explicit guidance and broader authority. Detailed planning can address potential scenarios, name alternates, and include specific instructions about interventions, pain management, and palliative care. Thorough drafting reduces ambiguity and supports an informed agent who must make difficult decisions. For those with ongoing medical needs, investing time in comprehensive planning helps protect personal values and ensures continuity of care aligned with long-term wishes.
Planning for Long-Term or Progressive Conditions
Long-term or progressive illnesses such as dementia require advance planning that anticipates evolving needs and decision points. A comprehensive healthcare proxy can include staged instructions, alternates for decision makers, and coordination with a living will to guide future care. This careful approach reduces uncertainty as conditions change and helps families and caregivers follow a documented plan. For Camp Pendleton North residents facing progressive health issues, a complete plan offers stability and clarity for both medical teams and loved ones over time.
Advantages of Taking a Thorough Approach to Healthcare Proxy Planning
A comprehensive healthcare proxy offers multiple benefits: it clarifies who will make decisions, records specific preferences, and provides legal authority recognized by medical institutions. This reduces delays in care and decreases the risk of conflict among family members. A well-articulated plan also supports more consistent care aligned with your values, whether decisions address emergency interventions or long-term treatment strategies. For many families in Camp Pendleton North, this clarity translates into fewer disputes and smoother conversations with healthcare providers during stressful times.
Beyond immediate decision making, a comprehensive plan supports peace of mind by ensuring that your wishes are documented and accessible. It helps agents act confidently and medical staff follow clear instructions, which can minimize disagreements and simplify care coordination. Regularly updating documents as health, relationships, or preferences change ensures the plan remains effective. Choosing a thorough approach early provides continuity of care across different providers and settings and reduces the administrative burden on loved ones when urgent decisions arise.
Ensuring Your Medical Wishes Are Followed
A detailed healthcare proxy provides written expression of your priorities and treatments you wish to accept or decline. By documenting these preferences and naming a decision maker who understands them, the document helps ensure medical care aligns with your values, even when you cannot speak. This alignment reduces the chances of receiving unwanted interventions or delays in implementing preferred comfort measures. For residents of Camp Pendleton North, the assurance that choices will reflect personal values is a core benefit of thoughtful advance planning.
Reducing Stress and Disputes for Loved Ones
When roles and preferences are clearly documented, family members face less uncertainty and conflict during emotionally charged medical situations. A comprehensive healthcare proxy minimizes the burden on loved ones who might otherwise disagree about the best course of action. Clear instructions and a designated agent streamline communication with health professionals and enable faster decisions. For many families in Camp Pendleton North, that reduced stress and smoother decision-making process is one of the most tangible and lasting benefits of formal advance planning.
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Pro Tips for Creating a Reliable Healthcare Proxy
Choose Your Agent Carefully
Select an agent who understands your values, can communicate clearly with medical staff, and is willing to make difficult decisions when necessary. The person should be available during emergencies and able to handle the responsibilities that come with acting on your behalf. Consider naming alternates in case your primary choice is unavailable, and discuss your preferences so they know how to represent your wishes. Choosing someone with good communication skills and a calm demeanor helps ensure smoother interactions with healthcare teams when decisions are urgent.
Communicate Your Wishes Clearly
Review and Update Regularly
Life changes can affect who should serve as your agent and which medical preferences you hold. Review your healthcare proxy after major events such as changes in health, relationships, or residence. Updating the document reflects current wishes and ensures that the person named is still appropriate and willing to serve. Providing updated copies to your agent, family members, and medical providers helps guarantee that the latest version of your directive is available when it matters most.
Compelling Reasons to Establish a Healthcare Proxy in Camp Pendleton North
Establishing a healthcare proxy protects your autonomy by naming an agent to make medical decisions aligned with your values when you cannot decide for yourself. It prevents uncertainty and conflict among loved ones, enables faster decisions in emergencies, and supports smoother coordination with healthcare professionals. For residents of Camp Pendleton North, this protection is particularly valuable when facing sudden injuries, planned procedures, or progressive illnesses where clear instructions and a designated decision maker reduce stress and improve the consistency of care.
A healthcare proxy is also a practical tool for families who want to avoid default decision-making by providers or courts. Having a written directive means your voice continues to guide medical care even when you lack capacity. Additionally, combining a proxy with a living will and durable power of attorney creates a comprehensive plan that addresses both medical and financial needs. This holistic approach ensures that your overall wishes are known and actionable across different aspects of end-of-life and incapacity planning.
Common Situations When a Healthcare Proxy Becomes Essential
Several life situations make a healthcare proxy especially important: unexpected accidents, sudden critical illness, planned high-risk procedures, and progressive cognitive conditions. In each case, decisions about treatments, surgery, and life-sustaining care may arise when you cannot communicate. A proxy ensures a trusted person can act quickly and in accordance with your wishes. For families in Camp Pendleton North, having this document in place helps hospitals and caregivers follow a known plan and prevents delays in implementing appropriate care.
Unexpected Medical Emergencies
Unexpected emergencies can happen at any time and often require immediate decisions about life-saving or stabilizing treatments. A healthcare proxy allows your chosen agent to authorize necessary interventions without delay, ensuring medical teams have clear direction about who may decide on your behalf. This reduces the risk of conflict and speeds treatment when every moment counts. Preparing a proxy before emergencies occur gives both you and your family greater confidence in how care will be managed if you become unable to speak for yourself.
Progressive Illness or Cognitive Decline
For conditions that worsen over time, such as neurodegenerative diseases, a healthcare proxy provides a planned path for future decisions. Naming an agent and providing detailed instructions helps ensure consistent care as the disease progresses and your ability to participate in decisions declines. This foresight reduces confusion and supports continuity of care among multiple providers. Early planning enables family members and caregivers to focus on supporting daily needs while a clear directive guides medical choices during later stages of illness.
Planned High-Risk Procedures
Before undergoing surgeries or treatments with significant risk, having a healthcare proxy in place prepares you and your family for possible complications. The document authorizes your agent to make decisions if you are temporarily incapacitated during recovery or in the immediate aftermath of a procedure. This preparation ensures that your wishes about interventions, pain control, and post-operative care are accessible and actionable, reducing stress for your loved ones and medical team during a stressful period.
We’re Here to Help Camp Pendleton North Residents With Healthcare Proxy Planning
Why Choose LA Estate Plans for Your Healthcare Proxy Needs
LA Estate Plans offers personalized estate planning services that emphasize clear documentation and client education. We help you identify the right person to act as your healthcare agent, draft a durable and legally compliant proxy, and provide guidance on integrating that document into a broader estate plan. Our team communicates in straightforward terms so clients understand exactly how their directives will function in real medical settings and how to keep them current as circumstances change.
We are familiar with California requirements and local practices, which helps ensure documents are accepted by hospitals and clinics in San Diego County. After preparing your healthcare proxy, we advise on signing, distribution, and practical steps to make the document accessible to your agent and treating providers. This follow-through reduces the chance of administrative hurdles and makes it easier for your chosen agent to act promptly when needed. Our approach supports both legal validity and real-world usability.
Beyond initial document preparation, LA Estate Plans encourages regular review and offers updates when life events occur. We help clients revise directives after changes in relationships, health status, or preferences so the plan remains aligned with current wishes. For residents of Camp Pendleton North, that ongoing support provides confidence that directives will continue to guide medical care effectively over time, giving peace of mind to both principals and their families.
Contact LA Estate Plans Today to Begin Your Healthcare Proxy
How We Handle Healthcare Proxy Preparation and Execution
Our process begins with a conversation to understand your healthcare priorities and identify the best person to act on your behalf. We then draft a clear document tailored to California law and your individual preferences. After review, we assist with signing and recommend steps for distributing copies to your agent, loved ones, and healthcare providers. This hands-on process ensures the document is both legally sound and practical for use within local medical systems in Camp Pendleton North and San Diego County.
Step 1 — Initial Consultation and Needs Assessment
During the initial consultation we discuss your medical values, existing documents, and family dynamics to determine the right scope for your healthcare proxy. This conversation helps identify an appropriate agent, any alternate decision makers, and specific instructions you want included. The goal is to create a directive that reflects your wishes while remaining straightforward for the agent and medical providers to follow. We also explain how the proxy interacts with other estate planning documents so the entire plan is cohesive.
Discussing Your Medical Preferences and Values
We guide you through discussing treatment priorities, comfort measures, and values that should direct medical decisions. This includes preferences regarding resuscitation, life-sustaining measures, and the degree of intervention you would accept. Documenting these preferences helps your agent and clinicians make consistent choices. Clear written guidance reduces ambiguity and supports decision making that reflects your wishes even when difficult circumstances arise, helping family members understand the intent behind your choices.
Selecting and Preparing Your Agent to Serve
Choosing the right agent involves discussing availability, ability to make tough decisions, and willingness to advocate with medical teams. We help you evaluate potential agents and recommend naming alternates. Once selected, we encourage detailed conversations between you and the agent so they understand your priorities and feel prepared to act. We also provide guidance on how to keep the agent informed, including sharing written instructions and ensuring they have access to the executed document when needed.
Step 2 — Drafting, Review, and Legal Compliance
In this step we prepare the healthcare proxy with precise language to reflect your instructions, limited authority if desired, and any required formalities under California law. We review the draft with you to confirm accuracy and make adjustments as needed. Ensuring legal compliance helps the document be accepted by healthcare providers and reduces the risk of disputes. We explain witnessing or notarization requirements and recommend best practices for storing and sharing the final document.
Drafting Clear, Actionable Instructions
The document must clearly identify your agent and outline the scope of their authority while including any limits or specific directives. Clear language minimizes interpretation issues and helps medical providers implement your wishes promptly. We focus on writing directions that are practical for clinical settings and understandable by both the agent and treating teams. Specific instructions about interventions, comfort care, and other preferences support consistent decisions that reflect your values.
Reviewing State Law and Healthcare Requirements
California law has particular requirements for advance directives and proxies, and we ensure the document meets those standards so it will be recognized by hospitals and care facilities. This review includes confirming necessary signatures, discussing any witnessing or notarization recommendations, and advising on how the document should be presented to providers. Our goal is to make the directive both legally sound and straightforward to use in the settings where it will matter most.
Step 3 — Finalization, Execution, and Distribution
After finalizing the document, we assist with signing and any recommended notarization or witnessing to maximize acceptability by medical institutions. We then help you distribute copies to the agent, alternates, family members, and healthcare providers and recommend keeping an accessible original. Making sure the right people have the document improves response times during emergencies and supports effective communication between your agent and medical teams. We also advise on storing the document in secure but available locations.
Execution and Notarization Best Practices
Completing the signing process correctly helps avoid challenges when the directive is needed. While California may accept witnessed signatures, notarization can further support the document’s acceptance. We explain the recommended signing steps and coordinate execution so the document is properly completed. Following best practices reduces the likelihood of administrative obstacles and supports prompt recognition by hospitals and clinics.
Sharing Documents with Providers and Loved Ones
Providing copies of your executed healthcare proxy to your agent, family members, primary care physician, and local hospitals ensures that the document is available when needed. We recommend giving the agent a readily accessible copy and informing your healthcare team about the directive’s existence. Clear distribution reduces delays in treatment and helps your agent present the directive effectively to medical personnel during critical moments, ensuring that care decisions can align with your preferences.
The Proof is in Our Performance
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Proxies in Camp Pendleton North
What is a healthcare proxy and why do I need one?
A healthcare proxy is a legal document that appoints a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot communicate or lack capacity. It becomes effective when a physician determines you are unable to make or convey informed medical choices. The proxy allows your agent to consult with healthcare providers, access medical information, and decide on treatment options consistent with your expressed wishes. This designation helps avoid confusion and ensures a designated decision maker can act quickly during emergencies or serious illness. You need a healthcare proxy to protect your autonomy and reduce stress on loved ones during critical times. Without a named agent, medical teams or family members may face uncertainty about who should decide, which can delay care or lead to disputes. Preparing a proxy is a proactive step that clarifies your preferences and ensures that someone who understands your values is authorized to speak for you when it matters most.
Who can I appoint as my healthcare agent?
You may appoint any competent adult whom you trust to act on your behalf as your healthcare agent. Many people choose a spouse, adult child, close friend, or another family member who understands their values and will communicate with medical providers. It is advisable to discuss the role with the person before naming them, ensuring they accept the responsibility and understand the type of decisions they may need to make. Consider naming alternates in case your primary choice is unavailable. When selecting an agent, think about availability, communication skills, and willingness to advocate in stressful medical situations. The agent should be able to travel to appointments, review medical information, and coordinate with healthcare staff. Choosing someone calm under pressure and trusted by family members can reduce future conflict. Providing written guidance and open conversations with the agent before executing the proxy will help them act confidently if needed.
How does a healthcare proxy differ from a living will?
A healthcare proxy appoints an agent to make medical decisions when you cannot, whereas a living will records your specific treatment preferences for certain situations. The proxy grants decision-making authority to a person, while the living will provides written instructions about interventions you would accept or refuse. Using both documents together offers the agent clear direction and reduces ambiguity when tough medical choices arise. The combination of a proxy and a living will provides both a decision maker and explicit instructions to guide that person. The living will can address scenarios such as resuscitation, feeding tubes, and life-sustaining treatment, while the proxy enables immediate decision making tailored to the evolving clinical situation. Together, they form a coordinated approach to advance healthcare planning that supports your values and assists medical teams.
Can I change or revoke my healthcare proxy?
Yes, you can change or revoke your healthcare proxy at any time as long as you have the capacity to make decisions. Revocation should be done in writing and communicated to your agent, healthcare providers, and any other relevant parties to avoid confusion. You may also execute a new proxy that replaces the prior document to reflect updated preferences or a different agent choice. It is important to inform your current agent and family when you make changes so everyone is aware of the update. After changing or revoking a proxy, distribute copies of the new document to medical providers and keep the original in a safe but accessible place. Regular review and clear communication help ensure the active directive reflects your current wishes.
Will a California healthcare proxy be valid in other states?
A healthcare proxy created in California is generally valid within the state and recognized by most healthcare institutions in California. If you travel or move to another state, the directive may or may not be recognized under local laws. Many states accept out-of-state advance directives, but differences in form or witness requirements can affect enforceability. If you expect to spend significant time in another state, consider reviewing your directive with a professional familiar with that state’s laws or preparing a supplemental document that meets local requirements. Updating your documents when relocating helps ensure continuous protection and reduces the chance of administrative complications if you need care outside California.
Do I need a lawyer to create a healthcare proxy?
You can create a healthcare proxy without legal assistance by using state-approved forms and following signing rules. However, consulting with a law firm familiar with California advance directive requirements can help avoid common drafting mistakes and ensure the language is clear and enforceable. Professional guidance may be particularly helpful for complex situations or when coordinating multiple documents such as a living will and powers of attorney. When you work with a firm, you receive personalized guidance on naming alternates, limiting or expanding an agent’s authority, and integrating the proxy into a broader estate plan. Even when not required, this review can increase confidence that the directive will be accepted by providers and function as intended in practical medical settings.
What decisions can my healthcare proxy make?
An appointed healthcare agent can make decisions related to medical treatment, such as consenting to or refusing procedures, choosing among treatment options, and discussing goals of care with clinicians, depending on the authority you grant. The agent may also access medical records, consult with providers, and arrange for transfer of care if needed. You can tailor the proxy to allow broad discretion or restrict authority in specific areas to reflect your wishes. Some decisions, like those involving mental health treatment or certain types of institutional consent, may have additional legal requirements; it is important to specify any limits or instructions in your directive. Providing detailed guidance to your agent and including a living will clarifies expectations and supports decision making that aligns with your values and medical preferences.
How should I communicate my wishes to my agent?
Clear and ongoing communication with your agent is essential. Discuss your values, what matters most to you in medical care, and specific scenarios you want them to consider when making decisions. Providing written notes or a living will that outlines preferences for interventions, comfort care, and end-of-life options helps the agent follow your wishes under pressure. Regular conversations and periodic updates ensure your agent remains informed about changes in health or priorities. Sharing the executed proxy with your agent and healthcare providers, and ensuring they know where to find the document, helps them act promptly when decisions are needed. Open dialogue makes the agent’s role more effective and reduces stress during critical moments.
Can my proxy make decisions about life-sustaining treatment?
Yes, if you authorize it in your healthcare proxy or living will, your agent can make decisions about life-sustaining treatment. It is important to state your preferences clearly so the agent understands whether to accept, withhold, or withdraw treatments such as mechanical ventilation, feeding tubes, or resuscitation. Clear instructions reduce uncertainty and help the agent advocate for your wishes in the hospital setting. When making choices about life-sustaining treatment, many people combine specific written directives with discussions with their agent to ensure both legal instruction and personal context are available. This combined approach helps your agent and medical teams follow your values when difficult decisions arise, reducing conflict and aligning care with your wishes.
How often should I review my healthcare proxy?
You should review your healthcare proxy periodically and after major life events such as changes in health, relationships, or residence. Regular review helps ensure the agent is still the best choice and that the instructions match your current preferences. Life changes can alter who should make decisions or what types of care you prefer, so updating documents keeps your plan effective and relevant. Many individuals review their directives every few years or whenever there is a significant change in circumstances. After making updates, provide copies of the revised document to your agent, family members, and healthcare providers to ensure everyone is aware of the current plan and can act accordingly if needed.