Signing Requirements
A medical POA must be signed by the principal (the person creating the form) in the presence of two witnesses aged eighteen or older[1]. Neither of the witnesses can be[2]:
- The principal’s relative.
- Aware that they will inherit or have a claim on the principal’s estate.
- Directly responsible for the principal’s health care expenses.
- The principal’s health care provider, an employee of the health care provider, or an employee of an inpatient facility where the principal receives care (excluding chaplains and social workers).
- The agent appointed in the medical power of attorney.
Power of Attorney (Preview)
Legal Definition
“Power of attorney for health care” means the designation, by an individual, of another as his or her health care agent for the purpose of making health care decisions on his or her behalf if the individual cannot, due to incapacity.[3]
Revocation
Any of the following acts will revoke a medical power of attorney in Wisconsin[4]:
- Canceling, burning, or otherwise destroying the document
- Expressing the revocation in a written statement signed and dated by the principal
- Verbally expressing the intent to revoke in front of two witnesses
- Drafting a new medical power of attorney
If the principal is married or in a domestic partnership when the form is executed, the POA will be revoked if the marriage or partnership ends.[5]