A healthcare agent, also known as a surrogate or proxy, is an individual you select to make medical decisions in case you cannot do so in the future. This person should be a close relative or trusted friend who knows you well and whom you trust to speak on your behalf. In most states, your healthcare agent can make decisions for you anytime you cannot make medical decisions, not just at the end of life.

When choosing a healthcare Agent, have open discussions with the potential candidates to be the Agent by discussing your values, quality of life concerns, anticipated medical issues, and possible treatments. Since unexpected situations can arise, your Agent should be able to make decisions based on their understanding of your values and what you consider a meaningful life. These discussions are complex, and your perspectives may change.

Your healthcare agent should:

• Know you well
• Remain calm in a crisis
• Understand how you would make decisions if you were able to
• Do not hesitate to ask questions and advocate to doctors
• Comfortably communicate with your family

We provide free medical power of attorney form templates. Download our PDF form above.
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A Medical or Healthcare Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants an individual, usually the healthcare agent or proxy, the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of the principal if they are unable to do so themselves due to incapacitation.

The process to become a Medical Power of Attorney includes:

• Understand and be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of being a Medical POA
• Legal Requirements – Each State has its own set of rules
• Select the Person appointing someone they know they can trust.
• Document – Create a POA document in a format that clearly outlines the terms.
• Include Instructions on decision-making
• Witnesses and Notarize – Check with local laws if these need to be included
• Copies
• Register and File
• Review

To ensure the Durable POA covers Medical, create a document called a durable power of attorney for finances and healthcare. This document combines financial and medical decision-making powers and allows them to appoint a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf in case of incapacity.

The Medical Durable Power of Attorney (MDPOA) is a legal document that gives an individual, referred to as the “principal,” to appoint another person, known as the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact,” to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become incapable of doing so themselves.

A Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) is a legal contract that lets someone choose another person to make their healthcare decisions if they can’t. It’s part of advance care planning.

The responsibilities include:

• Making healthcare decisions that align with the wishes of the principal.
• Consulting with healthcare professionals for making medical decisions.
• The Medical POA should treat the patient with the principal’s values, morals, and preferences.