Medical power of attorney and healthcare proxy are terms often used interchangeably, and in most states, they refer to functionally the same document — appointing someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can't. The naming difference is mostly a matter of state terminology, not a different legal concept.
Why the terminology varies by state
Some states use "healthcare proxy," others "medical power of attorney," and others fold the concept into a broader "advance directive" — the underlying function (naming a healthcare decision-maker) is consistent, but the specific form and required language is not.
Why using the wrong state's form is a real risk
Because the exact statutory language and execution requirements differ by state, a form downloaded under one state's terminology may not meet another state's legal requirements — a healthcare provider or hospital may not honor a document that doesn't match what your state actually requires.
How it relates to a living will
This document names a person; a living will states your specific treatment wishes. They're not the same thing and are often — but not always — combined into a single advance directive, depending on your state's approach.
Getting the right document for your state
Regardless of what it's called, confirming the document matches your specific state's statutory requirements — and that hospitals in your area will recognize it — is what actually matters, more than which name it goes by.