Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions
The Boy Scouts are not the only individuals wise in adopting the motto of "be prepared." Ensuring that someone you trust makes medical decisions on your behalf when you cannot is crucial. A durable power of attorney for health care will accomplish this goal for you.
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Function
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A durable power of attorney designates another person -- your agent -- to make certain medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so on your own.
Considerations
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You need to specify within the power of attorney the parameters in which your agent will make decisions. For example, delineate under what general circumstances you desire elimination of certain life support procedures.
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Time Frame
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A durable power of attorney for health care remains in effect until you terminate it or die.
Benefits
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One of the primary benefits of a durable power of attorney is the fact that your medical care and treatment preferences will likely be honored if you prove unable to make health care decisions.
Warning
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In selecting an agent for your durable power of attorney, designate a person who you reasonably believe will be able to make emotionally challenging decisions regarding your medical care and treatment. These include decisions going to your very life and death.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit patient image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
