Advance Directive Power of Attorney Forms
An advance directive enables a patient to select their preferred end-of-life treatments and designate an agent to make medical decisions for them. It becomes active only if the patient is unable to make decisions themselves due to incapacity or impairment.
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How to Get an Advance Directive POA
1. Choose an Agent
This section, often called the medical power of attorney, requires the principal to appoint an agent for healthcare decisions. The agent can only act if the principal is unable to make decisions due to incapacitation. The agent should be familiar with the principal’s wishes and prioritize their best interests when making decisions.
Alternate Agent – The principal can appoint a secondary agent in case the primary agent is unavailable. However, decision-making cannot be shared between agents.
2. Define the Powers
The principal must determine the extent of authority to grant the agent.
This generally includes:
- Choosing whether powers begin immediately or upon the principal’s incapacitation;
- Deciding whether to extend life as long as possible, even without a cure;
- Assigning post-death responsibilities (such as ordering an autopsy, deciding on the disposition of remains, etc.).
Any additional powers should be communicated to the agent verbally.
3. Select End-of-Life Preferences
This pertains to the living will, allowing the principal to specify their wishes if they are in a vegetative state or incurable condition. In such cases, the principal can choose to discontinue life support, such as stopping ventilators, nutrition, or hydration through an IV.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) – This directive informs medical staff not to perform CPR or other life-saving measures if the principal’s heart stops or they are not breathing.
4. Execute the Document
Depending on state laws, an advance directive must be signed in the presence of a notary public, two witnesses, or both. If options are available, notarization is recommended.
Notaries can be found online, at local banks, or through notary services.
5. Store Safely
It’s advisable to keep an advance directive easily accessible in emergencies. It’s often recorded with a state registry or national organization. The location of the directive should be noted on a Wallet Card and carried by the principal at all times.
The Significance of POA
