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 healthcare power of attorney (HPOA) is generally limited in scope to medical and healthcare-related decisions. Its primary purpose is to designate an agent to make healthcare choices on behalf of an incapacitated individual. However, the specific powers granted to a healthcare agent can vary depending on the language used in the document and the laws of the particular jurisdiction.
In most cases, a healthcare power of attorney does not grant the agent authority to make financial decisions. Financial matters are typically addressed through a separate legal document known as a financial power of attorney or durable power of attorney for finances. This distinction is important to maintain a clear separation between healthcare and financial decision-making responsibilities.
There are, however, some limited circumstances where a healthcare power of attorney may indirectly involve financial matters. For example, the healthcare agent might need to access medical records or authorize payment for medical treatments. In these instances, the agent’s authority is still primarily focused on healthcare decisions, with any financial actions being incidental to carrying out their healthcare responsibilities.
It is advisable for individuals to have both a healthcare power of attorney and a separate financial power of attorney in place. This ensures comprehensive coverage of both medical and financial matters in the event of incapacity. The agents named in these documents may be the same person or different individuals, depending on the principal’s preferences and the specific expertise required for each role.
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.