Unanticipated health issues can land us in situations where we cannot make our own decisions. While we hope never to find ourselves in this predicament, preparing for such conditions is essential. A healthcare power of attorney (POA) answers this problem, but how many of us truly understand when it applies and what it entails?
To help you navigate this complex law, we weigh in on the intricacies of health care POA, its comparison with a living will, the duties of a designated agent, and more. Drawing from experience, we shed light on the nuances of healthcare POA and how to navigate them responsibly. So, when does your health care power of attorney apply? Let's delve into this and better understand this vital legal instrument and your responsibilities.
What Exactly Is a Health Care Power of Attorney?
A medical POA, or health care power of attorney, is a type of advance directive, a legal file, enabling you to name a trusted person as your representative in making your medical decisions, should you become incapable of doing so. This agent can only step in when the doctors declare that you cannot make medical decisions within the boundaries of authority defined in your document.
A Medical POA or a Living Will?
Advance directives include both health care power of attorney and living wills. These tools become crucial during life-threatening situations or unexpected medical incidents causing one's inability to communicate. However, they differ in certain aspects:
Health Care Power of Attorney
A medical POA allows you to choose a trustworthy person as your representative when you cannot speak for yourself. The agent for medical decisions could be different from the one handling your financial affairs.
Living Will
Unlike a health POA, a living will doesn't necessarily designate an agent but states your medical treatment preferences. This could include decisions such as resuscitation, mechanical respiration, tube feeding, etc. A health care power of attorney often works with a living will, introducing flexibility to possible unforeseen medical situations.
When Does a Health Care Power of Attorney Step in?
A medical POA is activated in severe health situations, such as:
- Falling into a coma due to stroke or other brain injuries
- Losing communication abilities due to dementia or an illness
- Having a mental health crisis, compromising your decision-making abilities
A physician is responsible for determining when a medical POA applies and transferring control to your designated agent to make the next steps.
How to Choose Your Agent?
When assigning an agent, selecting someone who will respect your preferences is of utmost importance. Consider someone you trust capable of carrying out your wishes in challenging situations. The agent's responsibilities could include decisions about:
- Drug treatments to pursue,
- The choice of facilities and doctors,
- Deciding on medical tests,
- Making surgery-related decisions,
- Deciding on disconnecting life support,
- Choosing between comfort and quality of life vs. extending life.
Ensure that everyone involved in your care knows and has access to your medical POA.
What If You Are The Appointed Health Care Agent?
As a health care agent, you'll be responsible for decisions relating to health care, long-term care, end-of-life care, and overall well-being.
In some cases, you may need to cooperate with co-agents if the health care power of attorney names multiple people as representatives.
Your authority includes receiving medical information, communicating with doctors and other health care providers, reviewing medical records, discussing treatment options, consenting to or denying treatments, and requesting consultations and second opinions.
Your fiduciary duty is to serve the patient's best interests. To reduce the risk of family discord, thoroughly study the health care power of attorney document, consult with the patient's lawyer if needed, and maintain a detailed record of all decisions made.
Managing Health Care Power of Attorney can be difficult without understanding your role and the patient's preferences. Don't hesitate to seek legal help from professionals. It can support and guide you in fulfilling your responsibilities, ensuring patient preferences are respected. It's always wise to seek experienced lawyers' counsel, whether you're a patient or a health care agent.
