Healthcare Power of Attorney
A Healthcare Power of Attorney allows one or more persons whom you choose to act on your behalf regarding your medical decisions should you be unable to speak for yourself through some physical or mental incapacity. Your attending physician will determine when you lack sufficient capacity to make or communicate healthcare decisions for yourself. This document is different from a Living Will in that it applies to situations when you are not necessarily terminal and incurable or in a persistent vegetative state. For example, if you are injured in a car wreck and arrive at the hospital in shock, unconscious or heavily sedated you are likely unable to give informed consent for treatment or to make or communicate your wishes regarding medical treatment. The person you name in the Healthcare Power of Attorney is called your healthcare agent.
