The Iowa medical power of attorney authorizes a health care agent to make medical choices on behalf of the principal in the event of their incapacity. Assigning an agent ensures that a trusted representative has sufficient authority to make health care decisions in the principal’s best interests when they are unable to do so. It is advisable to appoint alternate agents in case the first choice is not able or unwilling to fulfill their duties. Once completed, the original document should be kept in a secure and accessible place with copies given to the principal’s physician, family members, the assigned health care agent, and alternate agents.

Agent’s Duties – § 144B.6(2)

Laws – § 144B.2

Signing Requirements (§ 144B.3(1)(b), (2), and (3)) – Two (2) Adult Witnesses or Notary Public; one (1) of the witnesses must not be related to the principal by blood, marriage, or adoption. Neither witness can be the agent named in the power of attorney or the attending health care provider/employee.

Statutory Form – § 144B.5(1)

State Definition

Statute – § 144B.1(3)

“Durable power of attorney for health care” means a document authorizing an attorney in fact to make health care decisions for the principal if the principal is unable, in the judgment of attending physician, to make health care decisions.