Emergencies and unexpected medical issues can happen at any time. From serious injuries to the sudden onset of a debilitating disease, many people quickly find themselves unable to make important decisions regarding their own care. The good news is that you have options with the help of a skilled power of attorney lawyer, including creating a medical power of attorney.
Also known as an advance directive, this legal document appoints another person to make your healthcare decisions when you cannot. An Upper Marlboro medical power of attorney lawyer can answer your questions about this process.
Appointing a Health Care Agent
When someone creates a medical power of attorney, they name someone who will have the power to act on their behalf in the future. This person is known as a health care agent. This choice is important, given that the agent is often asked to make decisions that can have permanent consequences. Anyone uncomfortable with making life or death choices is not a good fit. Likewise, it is a good idea to name a secondary agent in case the first is unable to complete their duties.
What Is Included in These Documents?
There is flexibility regarding what powers are granted to the health care agent. Ultimately, it is up to the creator to determine when they want treatment, and in what situations where they do not.
A major issue is life support. Many people prefer not to be kept on life support if there is no chance that they will ever recover. Family members are more likely to allow a loved one to remain on life support indefinitely, so this is an issue that is best addressed in writing. Some of the other factors to consider include:
- Pain management
- Mental health services
- Tube feeding
- Resuscitation
An attorney in Largo or Upper Marlboro could draft a medical power of attorney that addresses these critical issues.
What Happens If There Is No Advance Directive?
The benefit of a medical power of attorney is that it allows a person to have their wishes respected when they are incapacitated. If a directive is not in place, the law determines who is in charge.
There is a hierarchy of family members who have the right to make these medical choices, starting with a legal guardian. If a guardian has not been appointed, the person’s spouse is next in line, followed by any adult children. If no guardian, spouse, or child is available, a person’s parent is entitled to these rights. Eventually, the choice can fall to adult siblings and more distant relatives.
Not everyone wants the law to choose members of their family to act as healthcare agents. Another important consideration is that a romantic partner who is not a spouse has no authority to make healthcare decisions unless they are named in a directive. An Upper Marlboro lawyer can ensure someone’s wishes are adhered to by drafting a valid medical power of attorney.
Call an Upper Marlboro Medical Power of Attorney Lawyer Immediately
These documents are complex and important. A single mistake can lead to confusion about who is able to make medical decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. Let an Upper Marlboro medical power of attorney lawyer review your options and help you determine a plan. Call today to get started.
