If you are hurt or otherwise unable to move around, you may find that you are unable to make decisions on your own. If you do not have a power of attorney or POA, your doctor might not be aware of your wishes, such as whether or not you want life support removed. A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to designate another individual to make decisions on your behalf. There are two distinct categories of POAs, namely health care and financial. They are distinct and cannot be used in conjunction with one another in any way. For instance, a power of attorney for finances designates a person to handle your financial resources, such as paying your bills, in the event that you are unable to do so.
The language of the POA appears to have certain ambiguities. As an illustration, because it is your POA, you are referred to as the primary in this situation. An agent is the name given to the person that you choose to represent you. You are free to appoint anyone as your representative; however, there are a few standards that must be met. This individual ought to be a dependable close friend or a member of the family. In addition to this, your agent needs to be aware of your preferences regarding medical care.
Options Chosen Using the POA.
Your agent has a legal obligation to notify your chosen healthcare providers about your treatment options to the extent that she or he is aware of those options. You can also hand your agent a healthcare declaration or a living will in the event that medical care is required. A second sort of health care directive is one that specifically outlines the type of treatment you desire in the event that you are unable to articulate your wishes on your own. Your agent is still in control of your health and wellbeing, but now he or she has a greater say in the therapeutic options available to you. The powers that are granted to your representative are not without limits. Your representative have particular authority. As an illustration, he or she has the option of selecting:
Do the following or refuse to receive medical treatment: Any kind of clinical treatment that could have an effect on either your mental or physical health can be approved or disapproved by your agent. There are a few exceptions to this rule, including withdrawing consent for severe mental treatment, terminating a pregnancy, and failing to comply with your own healthcare regulation.
Acquire court permission: If for whatever reason your healthcare professional or healthcare facility refuses to implement your living will or your dreams, she or he has the option of taking legal action in order to have your wishes followed.
You need to make a decision about which center you should go to.
Fire or employ a doctor.
You should be able to access all of your medical records.
Visit you at any moment. This indicates that your agent will be able to pay you a visit at the medical institution or facility once they have completed their hours.
Exceptions to the Powers Granted by a Health Care Power of Attorney
Your representative will only be able to take care of your medical requirements if you give them power of attorney for healthcare. As a result, your representative is prohibited from doing the following:
Bear your own expenses.
Pay the taxes that are due to you.
Spend money on your own medical treatment.
Invest in your dwelling requirements.
Consider your options for various types of investments.
Money in circulation and all types of checks
Get rid of all of the money in your bank accounts, regardless of its source.
In a similar vein, the power of attorney for health care will expire when you pass away. Because of this, your representative is not accountable for making plans for your funeral unless you have specifically delegated that responsibility to him or her. As soon as you give it your authorization, a POA will go into effect. You may choose to compensate a third party to act as your agent. Having said that, you will need to take care of that at the time you make your POA.
