Equally important as having a will or trust plan in place, is ensuring you have properly executed health care documents. These documents include a Health Care Power of Attorney, a stand-alone HIPPA release, and a Living Will. These are important documents that communicate your wishes regarding health care decisions if you are unable to communicate them for yourself, and allow for the individuals you designate to effectively carry out your wishes.
What Is a Health Care Power of Attorney?
A Health Care of Power of Attorney is a legal document that you (the “principal”) create that gives your Agent the power to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so. For example, imagine you were in a medically-induced coma following a car accident; how your physicians konw your wishes regarding quality of care and end-of-life decisions? In that case, your Agent would be able to make those decisions on your behalf. To be validly executed, formal requirements must be met regarding signing and notarization.
Since health care decisions are so important, it is wise to carefully consider who you choose to be your health care agent. Generally, individuals pick agents that they know and trust to make these types of emotional decisions.
Sample Health Care Power of Attorney Form
What Is a Living Will?
A Living Will, also known as an Advance Directive, or Advance Medical Directive, can provide valuable guidance to health care providers and family members about important medical decisions in “end-of-life” situations. Unlike a Health Care Power of Attorney, a Living Will does not give any agent the power to make decisions. Rather, the document itself provides directions to medical providers. Also, a Living Will applies only in “end-of-life” decisions, not just situations where a person loses mental capacity. Like a Heath Care Power of Attorney, to be properly executed, the Living Will must be signed and notarized according to State law.
For help with Advanced Directive (Living Wills), contact Atlantic Coast Law.
