There may come a point when you realize the importance of creating a power of attorney for healthcare. Some people do this when creating their estate plan for the first time, while others add it later in life.
Since there is no good argument against creating a power of attorney for healthcare, it’s best to do this as soon as possible. Not only does it give you peace of mind, but it does the same on behalf of your loved ones.
In short, a power of attorney for healthcare gives another individual, such as a family member or close friend, the ability to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
When naming a power of attorney for healthcare, this person is responsible for carrying out your wishes – as they pertain to medical care – regardless of what they may be. They do not have the power to make any decisions on their own.
It’s important to be clear when creating a power of attorney for healthcare, as this person typically has the right to:
- Deny or agree to the consent for medical treatment
- Decide where you receive treatment, such as at which facility
- Decide which doctors you should see
- Gain access to your medical records
- Make decisions regarding how your body is handled post-death
As you can see, naming a power of attorney for healthcare is nothing to take lightly. This person has many high-level responsibilities, so they must be willing and able to tackle them should the time come.
Note: don’t name a person as your power of attorney until you speak with them. Just because you think they’ll agree doesn’t necessarily mean they will. Some people just aren’t comfortable being put in this position during a difficult time.
If you have any questions about a power of attorney for healthcare, contact us to clear the air and decide what to do next. We’ll show you the way to ensure that you don’t make any mistakes that could cause a serious disagreement in the future.
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