Medical Power Of Attorney Save DOC For Free

It is a legal document that authorizes one person to act on behalf of another. The person who creates the power is the principal. The person who acts on behalf of the principal is the agent. The powers authorized in a power of attorney can be very broad or limited to a specific purpose or transaction.

Does a Medical Power of Attorney need to be notarized, witnessed, or recorded in South Carolina? The specifications and restrictions for PoA forms are different in each state; however, in South Carolina, your Power of Attorney will require the signatures of two witnesses and a notary public.

Except to the extent you state otherwise, this document gives the person you name as your agent the authority to make any and all health care decisions for you in ance with your wishes, including your religious and moral beliefs, when you are no longer capable of making them yourself.

In most circumstances, a spouse is not automatically designated as the medical or healthcare power of attorney (POA) for their incapacitated partner. The lack of a formal designation can lead to conflict and confusion during a medical emergency.

The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care paper lets you name another person to make medical decisions for you. In 2004, Tennessee law changed the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care to Appointment of Health Care Agent. Either one is ok to use.

For example, a living will would allow you to tell doctors that you do not want to receive a blood transfusion. A medical power of attorney does not discuss specific procedures but instead gives someone else the authority to make decisions about those procedures for you.

What if I Don't Have a Medical Power of Attorney? If a patient is incapacitated and there is no document listing their healthcare wishes (like a power of attorney), state law lists who can consent to certain medical treatments for them. In order of priority, they are: the patient's spouse.

This should be a person or persons you trust to make decisions for you. Fill out the forms and have your signature witnessed, as your state requires. Give copies to your family, your doctor and your healthcare agent.

Unless the power of attorney is to be used immediately, the original should always be retained by the principal in a safe place. The agent should be advised that he or she has been named as agent and should also be advised as to the location of the original and the number of originals that have been signed.

It is often more convenient to have two separate Powers of Attorney -- one for financial duties and one for health care decisions.