This form allows you to communicate your wishes about medical treatment of your spouse, child, or ward if that person is diagnosed as suffering from a terminal condition and you are unable to communicate your desires for their treatment.
The Houston Texas Directive to Physicians on Behalf of a Minor is a legal document that allows a designated individual to make medical decisions on behalf of a minor in case the minor's parents or legal guardians are unable to do so. This directive is also known as the Medical Power of Attorney for a Minor. The purpose of this directive is to ensure that prompt and appropriate medical treatments are provided to minors in emergency situations or when parents or legal guardians are unavailable. This legal document is particularly important in situations where a minor requires immediate medical attention, and the parents or legal guardians cannot be reached in a timely manner. By executing the Houston Texas Directive to Physicians on Behalf of a Minor, parents or legal guardians can delegate decision-making authority related to the minor's healthcare to a trusted individual, who is referred to as the agent or attorney-in-fact. The agent is responsible for making healthcare decisions on behalf of the minor, considering the minor's best interests and following any specific instructions provided by the parents or legal guardians. Houston Texas recognizes two main types of directives to physicians on behalf of a minor: 1. General Directive to Physicians on Behalf of a Minor: This type of directive grants the agent broad authority to make healthcare decisions for the minor. The agent can make decisions about medical treatments, surgeries, medications, and other medical interventions required for the minor's well-being. The agent can also have access to medical records and communicate with healthcare providers. 2. Limited Directive to Physicians on Behalf of a Minor: This type of directive provides specific instructions to the agent regarding the minor's healthcare. It may specify certain treatments that should be administered or withheld, religious or cultural considerations, or any limitations on the agent's decision-making authority. The agent's authority is limited to the instructions outlined in the directive. It is important to note that the Houston Texas Directive to Physicians on Behalf of a Minor must be signed and dated by the parent or legal guardian, as well as two witnesses who are unrelated to the agent. The directive should be notarized to ensure its validity. Additionally, parents or legal guardians should ensure that the agent is informed about their wishes and any specific instructions they have regarding the minor's healthcare. Overall, the Houston Texas Directive to Physicians on Behalf of a Minor is a crucial legal document that empowers parents or legal guardians to designate a trusted individual to make important medical decisions for their minor in times of need. It provides peace of mind knowing that the minor's healthcare needs will be appropriately addressed even when parents or legal guardians are unavailable.
