West Virginia Medical Power of Attorney Form

A West Virginia medical power of attorney is a document in which a person names a representative to make medical decisions on their behalf. This POA only takes effect when the document’s creator (the “principal”) loses their ability to provide, withhold, or withdraw consent to life-prolonging treatment and other medical care.

West Virginia Medical Power of Attorney Form

A West Virginia medical power of attorney is a document in which a person names a representative to make medical decisions on their behalf. This POA only takes effect when the document’s creator (the “principal”) loses their ability to provide, withhold, or withdraw consent to life-prolonging treatment and other medical care.

Last updated June 3rd, 2024

A West Virginia medical power of attorney is a document in which a person names a representative to make medical decisions on their behalf. This POA only takes effect when the document’s creator (the “principal”) loses their ability to provide, withhold, or withdraw consent to life-prolonging treatment and other medical care.

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Signing Requirements

Medical powers of attorney must be signed before two adult witnesses, and each witness’s signature must be notarized.[1] Neither witness can be the following[2]:

  • The person who signs the POA on behalf of the principal (if applicable)
  • The principal’s relative by blood or marriage
  • A known beneficiary in the principal’s will
  • Directly responsible for paying for the principal’s health care
  • The principal’s attending physician
  • The representative or successor representative named in the POA

Power of Attorney (Preview)

Legal Definition

“Medical power of attorney representative” or “representative” means a person, 18 years of age or older, appointed by another person to make health care decisions pursuant to the provisions of § 16-30-6 of this code or similar act of another state and recognized as valid under the laws of this state.[3]

Revocation

The principal, or someone at the principal’s direction, can revoke a medical power of attorney by[4]:

  • Destroying the document.
  • Executing a written revocation statement and delivering it to the attending physician.
  • Verbally expressing the intent to revoke in front of an adult witness who signs and dates a statement confirming the revocation (verbal revocations only take effect when the principal notifies the attending physician).