Lakewood Colorado Medical Durable Power of Attorney Overview A Lakewood Colorado Medical Durable Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants someone the authority to make healthcare decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so. This ensures that your medical treatment preferences are followed, even if you are incapacitated or mentally incapable of expressing your wishes. This type of power of attorney is essential for residents of Lakewood, Colorado, as it ensures that the individual appointed as your agent understands the specific laws and regulations governing healthcare in this jurisdiction. Types of Lakewood Colorado Medical Durable Power of Attorney 1. General Medical Durable Power of Attorney: This is the most common type of medical durable power of attorney and grants your agent broad authority to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. It typically includes decisions related to diagnosis, treatment, medication, surgery, and other healthcare procedures or interventions. 2. Limited Medical Durable Power of Attorney: This type of power of attorney limits the authority of your agent to specific medical situations or conditions. For example, you may grant your agent the authority to make decisions only regarding end-of-life care, organ donation, or the use of life-sustaining treatments. 3. Mental Healthcare Power of Attorney: Sometimes referred to as a psychiatric or mental health power of attorney, this document specifically empowers your agent to make decisions regarding your mental healthcare treatment and interventions. It is particularly important for individuals who may have specific wishes regarding psychiatric medication, therapy options, or hospitalization. 4. Pediatric Medical Durable Power of Attorney: This type of power of attorney is specifically designed for parents or guardians of minor children. It allows the appointed agent to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the child in case of an emergency or when the parent or guardian is unavailable. How to create a Lakewood Colorado Medical Durable Power of Attorney: 1. Consult an attorney: To ensure legal compliance and accuracy, it is highly recommended consulting an experienced estate planning attorney in Lakewood, Colorado. They will guide you through the necessary steps, advise you on the specific requirements, and help prepare the document tailored to your needs. 2. Choose your agent: Select someone you trust implicitly to act as your agent. Consider their ability to make difficult decisions and communicate effectively with healthcare providers. Discuss your wishes and preferences with them in advance to ensure they understand your desires and values. 3. Draft the document: With the guidance of your attorney, craft the medical durable power of attorney document using the specific language required by Colorado law. Be sure to include your name, the agent's name, and outline the limitations or extent of their decision-making authority. 4. Execute the document: Signing the document in the presence of witnesses or a notary public is crucial for legal validity. Follow the statutory requirements outlined in the Colorado Revised Statutes to ensure proper execution. Remember, a Lakewood Colorado Medical Durable Power of Attorney is a legally binding document designed to protect your healthcare preferences. By choosing someone you trust and communicating your desires effectively, you can ensure that your medical treatment aligns with your wishes even if you are unable to speak for yourself.