Health Care Power of Attorney Chandler Arizona

A Health Care Power of Attorney, also known as a Medical Power of Attorney, is an essential document we prepare for our clients to aid in incapacity planning. This contract is signed while the Principal has the legal capacity to make decisions. With this document, the Principal designates an Agent to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. This document is crucial as it ensures our clients are protected during their lifetime.

Importance of a Health Care Power of Attorney

Without a valid, properly executed Health Care Power of Attorney, you won’t have a designated backup to make medical decisions. If you become incapacitated, your family or loved ones would need to file for guardianship to ensure you receive the care you need. This process can take several months and cost thousands of dollars. A Health Care Power of Attorney is a much more efficient and cost-effective solution and is included in our Estate Plans.

Additional Provisions in Our Powers of Attorney

Our Powers of Attorney document includes several key components:

General HIPAA Waiver: This allows your Agent to access your private medical history, ensuring decisions are made based on your complete medical situation. It also allows doctors to communicate openly with their Agents without fear of legal repercussions.

Organ Donation Instruction: This directs your Agent to follow your established guidelines regarding organ donation.

Mental Health Care Power of Attorney: This optional designation allows your Agent to secure psychiatric care if you develop a mental or dementia-related illness.

Choosing Your Agents

We recommend listing at least two Agents on your Power of Attorney if your first choice is unavailable. This ensures you remain protected. Your designated Agents can be anyone you trust to act in your best interest. Discussing this responsibility with them in advance is important to confirm their willingness to serve as your Agent. While married couples often name their spouse the primary Agent, you and your spouse do not need the duplicate backups listed.

Summary

The items listed above collectively form a comprehensive Health Care Power of Attorney. Our attorneys use their expertise to ensure you remain in control of your decisions and are protected during periods of incapacity.

The Health Care Power of Attorney is a crucial component of a complete Estate Plan. We include it in all our packages but is also available as a standalone document.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact the Lawler Group in Chandler, Arizona.