what is the role of medical power of attorney

by Brice Breitenberg Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago 7 min read

Support by the medical power of attorney specific to medical decision making may include:

Obtaining medical or treatment recommendations from a healthcare provider and evaluating the information to decide about the next steps
Reviewing medical information and the consequences of decisions with an elderly parent
Developing a list of questions for healthcare providers

A medical power of attorney is a legal document that names one person the health care agent of another person. The agent has the ability to make health care decisions and the responsibility to make sure doctors and other medical personnel provide necessary and appropriate care according to the patient's wishes.

Full Answer

How to establish a medical power of attorney?

Jul 09, 2021 · Medical Power of Attorney allows an agent to make medical decisions for the principal should the principal be unable to communicate with physicians. Directive to Physicians (aka living will) proactively tells doctors if the principal wants to receive artificial life support like breathing machines. Note: A Directive to Physicians is not the same as a DNR.

Why do I need a medical power of attorney?

Oct 17, 2018 · A durable medical power of attorney (POA) allows a person to appoint someone to make health care decisions on their behalf if they are unable to make the decisions for themselves. The responsibilities in this situation for an elderly person are the same as the responsibilities under a medical durable POA for a person of any age.

Why do you need medical power of attorney?

If a family member has granted you medical power of attorney, it means that you hold the responsibility for making the decisions regarding the health and care of that person. With serious health concerns, including dementia, a patient can reach a point where they are incapable of these decisions, which is why the patient should designate a trusted person to assist.

How do I create a medical power of attorney?

What Is a Medical Power of Attorney? A legal document that allows you to choose someone to make important healthcare decisions on your behalf, a medical power of attorney can help ensure your wishes are followed. If you are unable to make your own healthcare decisions, the person you choose will be able to make them for you.

Why is a medical power of attorney important?

The Importance of a Comprehensive Medical Power of Attorney. If you are injured in an accident, having surgery, or develop a condition that makes it impossible for you to make your own decisions, then a representative you choose can make decisions on your behalf. When you appoint a medical power of attorney, you choose a trusted person ...

What is a medical power of attorney?

A legal document that allows you to choose someone to make important healthcare decisions on your behalf, a medical power of attorney can help ensure your wishes are followed. If you are unable to make your own healthcare decisions, the person you choose will be able to make them for you. You will be able to fully outline your preferences ...

What happens if you change your power of attorney?

If you change it, you will have to give the revoked document to your medical providers to ensure your new wishes and preferences are honored. Creating a detailed medical power of attorney and choosing the right person to work on your behalf if the need arises can give you peace of mind about your care.

Why is it important to be specific in power of attorney?

If you choose more than one person to be your medical power of attorney, you have co-agents who can make decisions for you. While this works well in many ways and provides you with the assurance that someone will be there, it can also have some drawbacks.

How long does a power of attorney stay in effect?

Your medical power of attorney stays in effect until you change or withdraw it. You cannot revoke it once a doctor has found you incapable of making decisions, but you can do so at any time before that. You can make changes to your document, revoke it, or eliminate it entirely, depending on your needs and concerns.

What is clear wording in a power of attorney?

Clear wording in your power of attorney document can clear up any misconceptions or conflicts about the true course of action you want and prevent your co-agents from getting stalled or reaching an impasse that requires court intervention.

Can a living will and a medical power of attorney be in place at the same time?

A living will and medical power of attorney can be in place at the same time; the living will focuses on only a single aspect of care, while the more expansive medical power of attorney covers all choices.