Written by Benjamin Kingsley
Do you have questions about or need assistance with a power of attorney? Please click here to email us at contact@legalandme.com.
Do you need a power of attorney form? We make a do-it-yourself power of attorney: finance power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney.
A durable power of attorney for health care is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone as your agent or representative to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated and unable to make those decisions yourself. Here are some key points about a durable power of attorney for health care:
This document gives your appointed agent the authority to make health care decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself due to illness, injury, or mental incapacity. The agent’s authority includes consenting to or refusing medical treatment, accessing your medical records, hiring and firing medical personnel, and making end-of-life decisions.
The “durable” aspect means that the power of attorney remains in effect even if you become mentally incapacitated. Without the durable provision, the power of attorney would terminate upon your incapacity. A durable power of attorney for health care allows your agent to act on your behalf during periods of incapacity.
You can specify the types of medical treatments you would or would not want in the document, providing guidance for your agent. You can also include your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments, pain management, organ donation, and other important health care matters. This helps ensure your agent follows your wishes and values.
It is important to choose an agent you trust to make decisions aligned with your preferences. Many people name a spouse, adult child, or close friend as their agent. You can also name successor agents in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve.
Do you have questions about or need assistance with a power of attorney? Please click here to email us at contact@legalandme.com.
Do you need a power of attorney form? We make a do-it-yourself power of attorney: finance power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney.