Health Care Power Of Attorney
WHAT IS A HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE ?
A Health Care Directive also called a Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney, is a document where you select an agent to make health care decisions for you and carry out your health care wishes if you become incapacitated and cannot make decisions for yourself. If you don't have this document prepared and something happens to you, your family or friends may have to file a court case to appoint a guardian to make decisions for you. Once a case is open, the court must periodically monitor the case and hold hearings until capacity is regained or the person passes.
CHOOSING YOUR AGENT ?
One of the most critical decisions in creating this document is deciding who will be your Agent – the person who will make decisions for you when you can't make them for yourself. This is a position of trust. You should select someone that can make difficult decisions on your behalf, including life-or-death decisions in a medical emergency. Most people choose a family member or close friend. It is a good idea to ask your proposed Agent if they are willing to take on that role before you name them.
WHAT DOES YOUR HEALTH CARE AGENT DO ?
If something happens to you and you are unconscious or otherwise incapacitated, your Health Care Agent steps in to make medical decisions for you. Incapacitated means that you're in such a state that you are not responsive or when medical professionals find you cannot make decisions for yourself. This can happen suddenly after an accident or it can occur over time with a degenerate disease like Alzheimer's. Your Agent will also communicate with your medical team to make the best decisions for you consistent with your wishes.
Your Health Care Agent will also act based on your specific instructions. For example, you may decide you want a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate). Without your Health Care Power Directive, these wishes won't be known or carried out.
CAN YOUR AGENT MAKE DECISIONS AFTER YOU PASS AWAY ?
You can leave instructions for your Agent to follow even after you pass. For example, a Health Care Directive can authorize your Agent to donate your organs. You can also outline whether you want to be buried or cremated and fill out any arrangements you have made, such as funeral services. Although it can be hard and uncomfortable to think about these items, leaving detailed instructions will make it much easier for your loved ones in an otherwise terrible situation.
WHY DO YOU NEED A HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE ?
Being prepared and having a medical power of attorney will bring you and your family some peace of mind during challenging times. Whether it's a minor procedure where you are facing anesthesia, a trip, or you've been diagnosed with an incurable disease, a comprehensive and well drafted power of attorney that is tailored to your situation will help you when you need it most.
How do I make a power of attorney ?
Don't put off creating your Power of Attorney. Create it today to ensure your medical decisions are always taken care of and alleviate your family's burden. MyKeyDocs is an app-based platform that helps you create your personalized and State-Specific virtual legal documents. It's not just a free health care proxy or power of attorney that you find online; it's complete DIY estate planning documents right from your phone. So create your Power of Attorney today – whether it's a California Power of Attorney, a New York Power of Attorney, or Texas Estate Planning documents, MKD can help no matter where you're located.