My Medical Proxy

A Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) is a legal document that empowers someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. This could happen due to illness, injury, or other circumstances.

Key Points to Consider:

Choose Your Agent Carefully: Your agent will have the authority to make crucial medical decisions, so it’s essential to select someone you trust implicitly.

Specify Your Wishes: You can include specific instructions in your MPOA, such as whether you want to be resuscitated in the event of a cardiac arrest or if you want to be kept alive on life support.

Consider a Living Will: A living will is a separate document that outlines your wishes regarding end-of-life care, such as whether you want to be kept alive on life support or if you prefer palliative care.

Review Regularly: Your circumstances may change over time, so it’s important to review your MPOA periodically and make any necessary updates.

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FAQs:

1. Do I need a lawyer to create a Medical Power of Attorney form? While you can find pre-printed MPOA forms online, consulting with an attorney can ensure that your document is legally sound and tailored to your specific needs.
2. Can I change my agent at any time? Yes, you can change your agent at any time by creating a new MPOA.
3. What if my agent becomes incapacitated? You can designate a backup agent to make decisions on your behalf if your primary agent is unable to do so.
4. Can my agent refuse medical treatment on my behalf? Yes, your agent can refuse medical treatment on your behalf, even if it could save your life. However, they must act in accordance with your wishes as expressed in your MPOA.
5. Does a Medical Power of Attorney give my agent control over my finances? No, a Medical Power of Attorney only grants your agent authority to make medical decisions. If you need someone to manage your finances, you’ll need to create a Durable Power of Attorney.

Medical Power Of Attorney Form