What Is a Health Care Power of Attorney?
A health care power of attorney gives someone else the authority to make decisions for you about your medical treatment when you are unconscious or too sick to communicate your wishes.
Other People Are Reading
-
Requirements
-
Each state sets its own requirements for a health care power of attorney. Most states require you to sign a written document and have it notarized.
Choosing an Agent
-
The person you choose to make decisions for you, called your agent, should be someone you trust and who knows you well. You should feel comfortable discussing your health care preferences with your agent and feel certain that the person will respect your wishes.
-
Content
-
The document should contain the name, address and Social Security number of your agent, along with a statement that you are appointing the person to act on your behalf if you are unable to make medical decisions. You can also include limitations, additional powers and the name of an alternative agent.
Living Will
-
A living will is a health care directive that explains your treatment preferences in specific situations. Most states allow you to include a living will in your health care power of attorney.
Tip
-
Most hospitals will give you a free form to use for your health care power of attorney.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of 7j.nl) (Jako Jellema
