A medical power of attorney form is a document used by adults to elect a representative who will make medical decisions on their behalf should they become incapacitated (unable to communicate). It is comple ted prior to a medical event and is used for planning purposes only. It must be completed when the principal (person executing the document) us of sound mind (mentally competent).
A medical power of attorney is a legal form completed by those looking to plan for end-of-life care or an unexpected health event. By completing and signing the form, the principal ensures their wishes are represented by someone they know and trust. The document only appoints a health care representative, it does not specify the types of treatment they would or would not like to receive, that is reserved for a living will form. Assigning a representative well in advance provides relief for family members by avoiding disagreements regarding tough health care decisions for a loved one who is incapacitated.
It’s important that the principal, agent, and other involved parties understand that the form only remains in effect while the principal is still alive. Once they pass away, a last will and testament (a “will”) is typically used for distributing the principal’s assets to family members.
A medical power of attorney gives the selected agent ALL RIGHTS regarding healthcare decisions. If there are certain topics or decisions the principal would like to prevent the agent from handling, they can specify these restrictions in the document. Otherwise, the agent will have full authority to communicate with healthcare staff about how to treat the principal in any given medical situation. This is why it’s important for the principal to also create a living will so their health care representative can be guided by the principal’s written instructions and wishes.
At a minimum, the principal has to nominate one (1) person as their agent. This is commonly their spouse, a family member, or a close friend. The principal is not restricted in their choice of agent, as long as the agent does not work as a healthcare provider where the principal receives treatment (a common state requirement) and is not under the age of eighteen (18). It is highly recommended that the principal nominate two (2) additional agents, known as “successor agents.” Should the primary agent be unavailable for any reason, a secondary agent can step in as the primary agent.
Without adding restrictions to the POA, the attorney-in-fact would receive all-encompassing powers from the principal relating to medical matters. In other words, the agent has the right to make any decision that the principal would be able to make for themselves, were they not incapacitated. The principal can choose to add certain instructions on the document restricting the agent’s powers. This includes selecting the types of treatments and health care the principal receives, how it’s administered, and any other questions that come up along the way. The principal should complete a living will alongside the POA to ensure the agent understands important matters, such as life support and organ donation.
Once the principal has completed all required fields (as instructed in the How To Write section), they will need to sign the form. This MUST be done in accordance with state law. The medical power of attorney statutes in most states have one (1) or both of the following requirements:
If witnessed: If witnesses are required, the principal will sign the document only once they are in the presence of witnesses. Once verified, each witness will need to sign and print their name onto the form.
If notarized: If notarization is required by state law (in addition to or in replacement of witnesses), they have the option of notarizing the form in person or digitally. In-person options include local post offices, libraries, and banks (to name a few). Alternatively, the principal can have the form notarized via eSign. All they have to do is upload the form, speak with a licensed notary, sign the form while speaking with them, and pay the $25 fee.
The principal should make copies of the completed POA and distribute it to their attorney, primary care physician, and anyone else whom they believe would benefit from having a copy. However, it’s important to make a note of every single person that receives a copy of the POA, as they will need to be contacted should the POA be revoked or amended at any time. The agent will need to show a copy of the POA whenever they present themselves as the principal’s representative.
In the fields 1-5, the principal will need to enter their name, street address, city, and state. For fields 5-8, they will need to enter their agent’s full name, street address, city, and state. Fields 9-12 are for the agent’s contact information, including their home, work, and cell phone numbers, and their email address.
The principal can specify certain powers and duties that the agent does not have the authority to perform. This section is optional, and can be left blank if the principal does not intend to limit their agent’s powers.
The form provides space for listing up to two (2) alternate agents. Should something happen to the main agent, the first alternate agent would assume responsibility. If the first alternate agent is unavailable or can no longer serve as agent, the second alternate agent would step in. This entire section is optional; it is not a requirement that the principal names secondary agents, however, it is highly recommended . For each alternate agent, the principal will need to provide their name, phone number, and address.
Using the first four (4) fields, enter the address/location where the original POA will be stored. If it will remain in the principal’s home, the exact location should be specified. For example, if it will be placed in an office, enter which room, desk, and drawer it can be found in.
Using the subsequent four (4) fields, specify the names of ALL individuals and entities that will be given a copy of the POA. It is very important this section is completed, as the principal would need to reach out to everyone that received a copy if they revoke the form.
The “Duration” section of the POA document is optional . If the principal wants to make the POA automatically terminate on a certain date, they will need to provide the following:
Because the signing process is dependent on the requirements of the state in which the principal resides, the list of signing requirements should be referenced. The principal will need to have the form notarized or signed by two (2) witnesses. On the fourth (4th) page, the parties will need to provide the following information:
If witnesses observed the principal’s signature, they will both need to sign their name, write their printed name, enter the date they signed, and provide their full address. If the document was signed in the presence of a Notary Public, the notary will know which fields to complete (do NOT write anything in the “Notary Acknowledgment” area).
