A medical power of attorney is used to plan for end-of-life care and medical emergencies. By designating a healthcare agent, the form ensures a trusted person will carry out the patient’s medical wishes and make decisions on their behalf when they are incapacitated.

A medical POA gives the agent full authority to make any healthcare decision the principal could make if they were not incapacitated. To limit this power, the principal can specify restrictions in the document.

It’s important for the principal to also create a living will, which provides written medical instructions and preferences to help guide the agent’s decisions.

The principal must select at least one agent, typically a spouse, family member, or close friend. The agent must be at least 18 years old and generally cannot work at the healthcare facility where the principal receives treatment. It’s strongly recommended to name a successor agent in case the primary agent is unavailable.

Many states have specific medical power of attorney forms that can be filled out. In most cases, the POA gives the agent complete authority to make healthcare decisions while the principal is incapacitated. However, this authority may be restricted if the principal includes specific limitations.

After filling out the necessary sections, the principal must sign the form in compliance with state law. To be legally valid, many states require the medical power of attorney to be notarized, signed by two witnesses, or both.

Copies of the completed POA should be given to the principal’s attorney, primary care physician, and anyone else who may need access to it. The agent must also have a copy available when acting on the principal’s behalf. A record should be kept of all recipients, as they must be informed if the POA is ever amended or revoked.