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Home » Estate Planning » Health Care Documents » Why Do I Need a Health Care Power of Attorney?

Why Do I Need a Health Care Power of Attorney?

June 15, 2011 by John Potter

Everyone age 18 or older needs a health care power of attorney.  While you are able, you’ll continue to make all your own health care decisions.  But, if there comes a time that you are unable to make your own health care decisions, then a trusted loved one will make those decisions for you.  If you want to control who makes those decisions, you need a power of attorney for health care.

Who should I name as my health care power of attorney agent?

You should appoint someone who loves you, is confident, and can communicate with medical personnel.  When you are in the hospital, you need an advocate who will ensure that you get the medical care you need and deserve.  Your agent should be someone who will ask your doctor for alternatives and not be afraid to seek a second or, even, third opinion.

When is my health care power of attorney effective?

Your health care power of attorney is effective when your doctor determines that you are not cable of making medical decisions.  You may be unconscious, highly medicated, or otherwise unable to comprehend the medical issues at hand and communicate about them.

Do I need a living will if I have a health care power of attorney?

Yes, if you don’t want medical heroics such as life support if you are in an irreversible coma, persistent vegetative state, or otherwise terminal and at the very end of life, you need a living will.  This removes a great burden from the shoulders of your health care agent.  No one wants to “pull the plug” on a loved one.

If you have a living will or if you’ve made other medical decisions in advance (and in writing), those decisions are made.  Your health care power of attorney agent cannot override them.

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Filed Under: Health Care Documents, Power of Attorney Tagged With: Health Care Agent, Health Care Power of Attorney, HIPPA Release, Living Will, Organ Donation Authorization

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Overall The Potter Firm was very professional. They took what could of been a very complicated process and were able to break it down so it was a lot easier to understand. We are confident we now have made the right decisions in our estate planning. Good firm to work with.

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John Potter has been a real pleasure to work with. He is very knowledgeable and explains things in a very simplistic manner so the average person can understand how/why the laws are written. He is very attentive and asks questions in such a way that not only helps him understand your goals, but also helps you think about what type of goals and expectations you should be considering. Exemplary client service.

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My husband and I selected Ms. Potter to assist with our small business. She responsive and attentive every time I have a question or need assistance, and is extremely knowledgeable and able to answer any legal question I have had. I know I can count on Ms. Potter for all of my business legal needs and I would highly recommend her to anyone needing legal assistance with such.

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