What Is a Healthcare Durable Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes another person to make decisions for you. A health care power of attorney is a specific, limited type of power of attorney that covers medical care decisions.
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Generally
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A health care durable power of attorney is a legal authorization for somebody other than yourself to make decisions regarding your health and medical care.
Function
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Most often, the purpose of a health care power of attorney is to deal with the unexpected instance where you are unable to make your own decisions. For instance, if you are in a car wreck and need medical care but can't make your own decisions.
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Health Care Directive
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Another name for the health care power of attorney is the health care directive. Both documents accomplish the same purpose.
Features
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When you create a health care power of attorney, you control what authority you give to your agent, or your "attorney." You control the extent of authority that you give to the other person.
Living Will
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A related, but different, document is a living will. A living will is a legal document that instructs your doctors and loved ones what to do in the event you become incapacitated or put on life support.
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