There are several kinds of Power of Attorney – given the discussions on our site, we will talk about the Power of Attorney for Health Care.
The “agent” (usually the patient) will assign Power of Attorney (often shortened to “POA”) for Health Care to a trusted family member or friend. This person will now represent and protect the patient’s interests and make decisions, should the patient be deemed incapacitated. The document is usually witnessed and notarized and often drafted by an attorney, though there are standard legal forms readily available just for that purpose. Some health care facilities even have such forms in their admissions packets, so that the patient can appoint a POA on entry.
Often an Advanced Health Directive or Living Will will accompany a POA affidavit. These documents help with serious health care decisions like choosing “no extraordinary means” or “do not resuscitate” in your health care plan. Family Attorneys, Funeral Directors and some Health Care Providers may be able to help you plan and prepare in advance. This is highly recommended, as the unexpected can happen in an instant.