How to Get a Doctor for a Power of Attorney Take Over
A durable power of attorney for health care gives a designated agent the ability to make certain medical decisions for the grantor (the person who executed the power of attorney) when the grantor is unable to do so. If you have a power of attorney in place but wish to make changes, there are specific procedures to follow. If you desire a doctor to serve as your agent under a power of attorney, there are a number of hurdles to overcome.
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Instructions
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1
Cancel the existing power of attorney. You cancel a power of attorney either by physically destroying the original document or by delivering a revocation notice to the person currently serving as your agent.
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Identify a doctor who is legally able to serve as your agent under a power of attorney. A doctor designated as your agent cannot provide you with any medical care or treatment. She must have no involvement in providing health care services of any type to you.
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Obtain a standardized from for durable power of attorney for health care. You can obtain these forms from hospitals, medical clinics, doctors and religious organizations.
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Complete the durable power of attorney form and sign it in the presence of a notary public.
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Obtain the signature of the doctor designated as your agent in the power of attorney. The doctor signs what is known as the acknowledgment of appointment at the bottom of the form. She must sign the acknowledgment in the presence of a notary public.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider the appointment of a retired (but active and mentally acute) doctor to serve as the agent for your power of attorney. A retired doctor is more likely to be available to serve your interests in a medical crisis or similar situation.
Although there are benefits to appointing a doctor as the agent for your power of attorney, keep in mind that you may have other individuals (family members or friends) who have a better idea of what your desires would be in a particular medical emergency or related situation. Therefore, do not assume that your interests will be best served just because you select a doctor to serve as your agent.
