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 medical power of attorney and a healthcare power of attorney are essentially the same thing. These documents allow you to designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated and unable to make those decisions yourself. This person, often called your agent or attorney-in-fact, has the authority to consult with your doctors, access your medical records, and make treatment decisions based on your previously expressed wishes.

A healthcare proxy is very similar to a medical power of attorney. The main difference is typically just terminology. Some states use the term “healthcare proxy” instead of “medical power of attorney.” In practice, these documents serve the same purpose: appointing someone to make medical decisions for you when you can’t.

A living will, on the other hand, is a distinct document. Unlike the others, which designate a person to make decisions, a living will outlines your specific wishes for end-of-life care. It typically addresses issues such as whether you want to be kept on life support, receive artificial nutrition or hydration, or undergo certain medical treatments if you have a terminal condition or are in a persistent vegetative state. A living will speaks directly to your healthcare providers, rather than appointing someone to speak for you.

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.