A power of attorney for healthcare can be an important document.  It will allow you to always have an agent appointed in case you become incapacitated and are unable to make your own medical decisions.

Your agent will be able to help you in a number of ways.  It’s important to understand the responsibilities that your agent will face so that you are able to select a good agent.  Take a look at some of the information below, to learn more.  If you have any questions, or if you’d like to create a power of attorney for healthcare document, meet with an attorney.

• Your agent will make sure that you’re receiving the amount of medical attention that is needed
• He or she will communicate with medical professionals on a regular basis to discuss your needs
• An agent is responsible for making decisions regarding your treatment and medical attention
• Your agent will be able to hire or fire medical staff members, as needed
• An agent will be able to choose your medical facility based on your specific medical needs
• An agent will have access to your medical records and files
• If you have a living will, your agent must respect the wishes that you’ve outlined in this important legal document
• Your agent must be able to communicate effectively and make decisions that are in your best interest

With care and consideration, you will be able to choose an agent who will help you during your time of need.  Discuss the responsibilities with your agent so that he or she understands the future duties that may occur.

If you have any additional questions, or if you’re ready to draft your power of attorney for healthcare document, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.

Ryan, Hicks, Cumpton & Cumpton LLP is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

Have you outlined your wishes regarding organ donation?  If not, this is the perfect month to outline your plans.  In 2003, Donate Life America named April “National Donate Life Month.”

This holiday was created to educate people about the need for organ donors.  This is the perfect time to consider your views on organ donation and to create an effective medical plan for the future.

Advanced Healthcare Directive

Take the time to create an advanced healthcare directive.  This legal document will outline your medical wishes.

You can appoint someone who will be responsible for making sure that these wishes are followed with the use of a healthcare power of attorney.

An advanced healthcare directive can allow you to do the following:

• Outline your wishes about certain medical treatments and procedures.  You also have the option to decide whether you wish to remain on life support once you become seriously disabled or ill (i.e. Living Will.)  Without a proper plan, you will have no say in this matter.
• Appoint someone who will be responsible for making sure that your medical wishes are followed.  This person is unable to make decisions that go against your advanced healthcare directive decisions such as your Living Will.  It will be in your best interest to choose a loving person who is able to communicate well with medical professionals.
• Outline your organ donation wishes.  You may choose to donate only certain organs or tissues.  You also have the option to donate your entire body to medical research.  The decision is completely up to you.  Know that by donating you will be helping others who would otherwise be unable to live.

Meet with your estate planning attorney.  National Donate Life Month is the perfect time to discuss your medical and organ donor wishes.

If you have any questions about organ donation, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.

Ryan, Hicks, Cumpton & Cumpton LLP is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.