Powers of Attorney for Healthcare Lawyers in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho & Los Angeles, California

During your estate planning, it is crucial that you make necessary provisions for individuals who can make proxy decisions on your behalf. Using a power of attorney for healthcare document (also known as a living will or advanced directive), you can choose a trusted person to help make informed medical-related decisions when you’re unable to do so. 

If you need proper guidance with powers of attorney for healthcare, consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney is important. At Moses Estate Planning, PLLC, we are dedicated to offering comprehensive guidance and advocacy to clients in estate planning-related matters.  

Our trusted legal team can enlighten you about the importance of creating a power of attorney document, help you choose a reliable healthcare representative, and educate you about their duties. Moses Estate Planning, PLLC proudly serves clients across Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Los Angeles, California, and throughout Kootenai County. 

What Is a Power of Attorney?  

A power of attorney (POA) can be described as a legal document through which an individual (the principal) can name and grant legal duty and authority to someone else (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to help make vital property, health, tax, legal, or financial-related decisions in the event that the principal becomes unavailable, mentally or physically incapacitated, critically ill, or unable to make such decisions on their own. 

According to Idaho Uniform Probate Code Section 15-12-102, "power of attorney means a writing or other record which grants authority to an agent to act in the place of the principal, whether or not the term power of attorney is used.” 

Types of Powers of Attorney 

Here are different types of powers of attorney and their specific purposes: 

General Power of Attorney 

A general or financial POA allows the principal to authorize the agent to act on their behalf in personal, financial, and business matters. 

Durable Power of Attorney 

A durable POA allows the principal to grant legal authority to the attorney-in-fact to act on their behalf in a huge spectrum of matters, including property, financial, and healthcare decisions. The durable POA is initiated upon the incapacity of the principal and remains effective until their death. 

Special Power of Attorney 

A limited or special POA allows the principal to specify certain matters that the agent can act on on their behalf. For example, actions could include making a bank withdrawal, paying for healthcare, or selling a house. 

Healthcare Power of Attorney 

A healthcare POA allows the principal to grant legal authority to the agent who will make decisions on their behalf about healthcare, medical treatments, and procedures should they become severely ill or mentally incapacitated and unable to make such health-related decisions. 

Why Are Powers of Attorney for Healthcare Important? 

Having a power of attorney for healthcare can help you achieve the following: 

• Appoint a reliable person to help manage your health affairs. 

• Maintain privacy over your medical affairs and decision-making. 

• Allow your agent to contact medical providers to obtain necessary information about your health. 

• Eliminate the need for a court-appointed legal guardian. 

• Eliminate or reduce delays when making health-related decisions. 

• Discuss your medical preferences and true wishes with family. 

• Help you achieve peace of mind. 

A trusted attorney can enlighten you about some vital considerations when drafting a power of attorney for healthcare and help you make informed decisions. 

Considerations When Choosing a Healthcare Representative 

Here are some important considerations when choosing your healthcare representative: 

• Consider the type of relationship you have with the person. 

• Choose someone who will prioritize your medical wishes and best interests. 

• Choose someone who knows your medical wishes and intentions. 

• Choose someone who is close to your location and can be easily reached when needed. 

• Choose a reliable and trustworthy person. 

• Choose a person who is calm, composed, and able to make intelligent decisions regardless of the situation. 

We can evaluate your unique needs and ensure that you choose a healthcare representative capable of prioritizing your needs. 

What Are Their Responsibilities? 

A healthcare representative, agent, or proxy is a person named in your powers of attorney document to help make medical decisions on the principal’s behalf. Here are some of their duties and responsibilities: 

• Discuss your preferred medical procedures and treatments with you prior to any illness or incapacity. 

• Make medical decisions on your behalf depending on your preferences and best interests. 

• Consult with your physician and medical providers. 

• Review your available treatment options, schedule appointments, and seek second opinions. 

• Evaluate your medical records, reports, and charts. 

• Approve or decline medical examinations, tests, and treatments. 

• Authorize your transfer to another medical facility, hospital, or clinic when required. 

• Make life-support, resuscitation, and life-saving decisions on your behalf. 

Above all, be sure to notify the named healthcare representative about their expected duties. Also, you can inform them about a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) directive if you have one. Apart from making medical decisions on your behalf, the agent can know when you want – or do not want – to be revived. 

Work With a Knowledgeable Estate Planning Attorney 

When drafting your estate plan, including powers of attorney is crucial. In the event that you become critically ill or mentally incapacitated, your named healthcare representative can make informed medical decisions on your behalf. A trusted estate planning attorney can explore your possible options and help you navigate key decisions. 

At Moses Estate Planning, PLLC, we have the understanding and experience to advise and guide clients in estate planning matters, including powers of attorney. As your lawyer, we can help draft your advance directive, choose a trusted healthcare representative, and prepare the necessary documentation. Also, our dedicated team will work meticulously with your agent to ensure that your exact medical wishes are implemented when required.