Healthcare Power of Attorney and Living Will
Healthcare Power of Attorney and Living Will
A healthcare power of attorney is a legal document allowing you to designate a person (agent) to make healthcare decisions for you in the event you are unable to make them for yourself. A living will, also known as a directive or advance directive is a document allowing you to state your wishes for your end-of-life medical care in case you become unable to communicate your decisions yourself.
Power of Attorney:
A healthcare power of attorney gives your agent the power and responsibility to make your healthcare decisions. These may include such things as your medical treatment, medication, tests, food/hydration, as well as decisions regarding surgery, doctors, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. Your agent can be a close friend, relative or loved one, but can not be your doctor or nurse. You must be of sound mind when appointing your healthcare power of attorney and you can not appoint a power of attorney (or sign any legal document) if you are incapacitated.
Living Will:
A living will can be very specific or very general when it comes to the course of treatment healthcare providers and caregivers are to follow. In some cases, a living will may forbid the use of various kinds of restrictive medical treatment. It may also be used to express wishes about the use of going without food and/or water if the food or water were to be supplied via tubes or other medical devices. The living will is used only if the individual has become unable to give informed consent or refusal due to incapacity.
Why you need an attorney:
A power of attorney and living will should appropriately represent the specifics of your unique circumstances and the decisions and care that you wish to be made on your behalf. An attorney can help you draft a healthcare power of attorney or living will that:
Covers the legal requirements of your state
Represent the details that are appropriate to your situation
Is current
Is specific
Gives authorities
“To ensure a custom drafted power of attorney and living will is created to meet your needs and follow state laws, people should advise an attorney. If your legal documents are specific they protect you against challenges and interjections,”
What To Do Next:
If you’re in need of a healthcare power of attorney or living will contact the Tyler Allen Law Firm for a consultation. Simply fill out the form on this page or call us at (602) 456-0545 to speak with an attorney. As always, we’re here to help.