What Is a Medical Power of Attorney?
A medical power of attorney (also called a healthcare proxy) is a legal document that designates a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make them yourself. This can happen due to a serious accident, illness, surgery, or cognitive decline.
Without a medical power of attorney, your family may face difficult decisions without clear legal authority, and in some cases, a court may need to appoint a guardian to make healthcare decisions for you. Having this document in place ensures that the right person is making decisions based on your values and wishes.
Key Healthcare Planning Documents
Medical Power of Attorney
Designates a healthcare agent to make all medical decisions on your behalf when you cannot. Your agent can consent to or refuse treatment, access medical records, and communicate with providers.
Living Will
Documents your wishes regarding end-of-life care, including whether you want life-sustaining treatment if you are in a terminal condition or permanent vegetative state.
HIPAA Authorization
Allows designated individuals to access your protected health information. Without this, even close family members may be denied access to your medical records.
Durable Power of Attorney
Designates an agent to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. Works alongside your medical power of attorney to cover all aspects of your care.
DNR / DNI Orders
Do-not-resuscitate and do-not-intubate orders provide specific medical instructions. We help you understand when and how these orders work alongside your other documents.
Healthcare Agent Selection
Guidance on choosing the right healthcare agent, understanding the responsibilities involved, and having the important conversations with your chosen agent about your wishes.
Medical Emergencies Are Sudden
Accidents and sudden illnesses can happen at any age. Without a medical power of attorney, your family may face legal barriers to making decisions on your behalf.
Court Guardianship Is Costly
Without proper documents, a court may need to appoint a guardian for you, which is expensive, time-consuming, and takes control away from your family.
Every Adult Needs These Documents
Healthcare directives are not just for the elderly. Every adult over 18 should have a medical power of attorney and living will in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a medical power of attorney and a living will?
A medical power of attorney designates a person to make healthcare decisions for you. A living will states your specific wishes about end-of-life care. Both documents work together and you should have both.
Who should I name as my healthcare agent?
Choose someone who knows your values, can handle stressful situations, will advocate for your wishes even under pressure, and is available and willing to serve. This is often a spouse, adult child, or close friend.
Can I change my medical power of attorney after it is signed?
Yes. You can revoke or update your medical power of attorney at any time as long as you have mental capacity. We recommend reviewing your documents after major life events.
Does my healthcare agent have authority over all medical decisions?
Your agent has authority to make most medical decisions, but you can limit their authority in the document. You can also include specific instructions about treatments you do or do not want.
What happens if I do not have a medical power of attorney?
Ohio law provides a default hierarchy of family members who may make healthcare decisions, but this hierarchy may not reflect your wishes. Disputes among family members can lead to court proceedings that are costly and emotionally draining.