A Medical Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint another person to make medical decisions for you, if you are unable to make those decisions yourself. The person you chose as your attorney-in-fact does not have to be a lawyer.
You can appoint almost any adult to be your agent. Discuss the matter with the person(s) you have chosen, and make sure they understand and agree to accept the responsibility. If you select your spouse, and later become divorced, the appointment of your spouse as agent is revoked.
The following people CANNOT be appointed as your agent: 1) Your treating health care provider; 2) An employee of your treating health care provider, unless he/she is related to you; 3) Your residential care provider; or 4) An employee of your residential care provider, unless he/she is related to you.
Unless you specifically limit his/her authority in the Medical Power of Attorney, your agent will be able to make almost every treatment decision on your behalf. (including authorizing, refusing or withdrawing life saving care)
You can designate alternate agents, who may act on your behalf if the primary agent is unavailable, unable, or unwilling to do so. However, you should appoint only ONE person to be your primary agent.
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