Choosing someone to make medical decisions on your behalf is an important decision. When you can no longer communicate your wants and needs, you can appoint an individual to represent you through a medical power of attorney.
A Covina lawyer who specializes in medical power of attorneys could help you make decisions about who to serve in that role. Call Amity Law Group today to discuss the benefits of including a medical power of attorney in your estate planning with an experienced POA attorney.
Understanding Medical Power of Attorney
A medical power of attorney or what is also known as an advance healthcare directive is a legal document that allows another person to make medical decisions on someone’s behalf. Treatment options, medications, surgeries, end-of-life care, and all other decisions that are related to healthcare needs can be included in a medical power of attorney. The person chosen to serve in this role is called the healthcare agent.
A medical power of attorney takes effect once individuals cannot make their own healthcare decisions. Their medical doctor could make this call. Meet with a Covina lawyer who handles medical power of attorney cases today to learn more.
Choosing a Healthcare Agent for a Medical Power of Attorney
When choosing someone to serve as the medical power of attorney, people often go with a family member or close friend that they can trust. It is crucial to choose someone over 18 who knows the individual well so that they can make tough decisions with their wishes in mind.
These difficult choices could include whether to continue life support, opt for a risky surgery, or pursue aggressive treatment. It is also critical to choose someone who will listen to what they want and act accordingly, even if it is hard for them personally to make the decision.
A medical power of attorney can consider input from other family members regarding the person’s healthcare needs, but ultimately, a decision will need to be made by one person, the healthcare agent.
Deciding who should serve in this critical position can be challenging. Individuals should discuss their questions and thoughts with an attorney in Covina who is experienced with drafting medical power of attorney documents.
Who Can Serve as a Witness for a Medical Power of Attorney?
A medical power of attorney must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public or two witnesses for it to be valid. A Notary Public is a public official who verifies the identity of the signers and ensures they are signing the document willingly and of their own volition.
The person named the medical power of attorney and healthcare providers cannot be a witness. A community or resident care facility employee cannot serve as a witness either. At least one of the witnesses cannot be related to the individual or entitled to receive their estate if they die.
Call Today to Discuss a Covina Medical Power of Attorney
Deciding who should serve as your medical power of attorney is an important choice. When making such an important decision, you may have questions about who to choose and what happens when you cannot communicate your wants and needs to your medical team.
Bringing your concerns to a knowledgeable Covina lawyer who handles medical power of attorney documents could be incredibly beneficial.
Amity Law Group’s award-winning estate planning attorneys could help ease that burden and protect you with customized legal solutions. Contact our law office today to speak with our skilled estate planning attorneys to learn more.
