How to Choose a Medical Power of Attorney
Appointing a medical Power of Attorney legally names a person who will make decisions for you in an end-of-life medical situation if you are incapacitated. If you don't appoint a medical power of attorney, decisions about your medical care will legally fall to your spouse if you are married. If you aren't married, medical decisions will default to your adult children or to your parents.
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Instructions
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Choosing the Right Person
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Consider a person you trust and someone with whom you are comfortable. Ideally, the person you choose is level-headed, mature and able to make decisions in stressful situations.
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Ask the person you're considering about her medical views and end-of-life philosophy. Issues you'll discuss include how she feels about end-of-life treatment like ventilation, nutrition and medication. You want to be sure she'll carry out your wishes if you become incapacitated.
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In addition, carefully consider your own values. What would make your own life not worth living? What is the importance of being independent or fully mobile? When would you not want to be resuscitated? Communicate your values to your medical power of attorney.
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Consider where the person lives. Choosing someone who lives nearby could be important so he can be available to make important decisions quickly if needed.
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Get a legal medical power of attorney document from a hospital, long-term care facility, doctor or attorney. Fill out the form. You need two witnesses to your signature. The form is legally effective as soon as you give it to your medical power of attorney. Also, put a copy of the form with your medical records.
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Tips & Warnings
You might want to consult an attorney or a doctor for advice before appointing a medical power of attorney, but you do not need to do so. Let your friends and family know who your medical power of attorney is, so that person can be contacted in case of emergency.
