MEDICAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU REVIEW THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BEFORE
YOU SIGN THIS DOCUMENT. READ THE INFORMATION CAREFULLY AND SEEK
GUIDANCE FROM A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL OR ATTORNEY IF YOU DO
NOT UNDERSTAND ANY OF THE TERMS.
By signing this document, you are giving authority to the person you are designating as
your agent to make medical decisions on your behalf. Medical decisions can include
any medical service, treatment, medical procedure, diagnosis or treat both mental and
physical conditions. Your agent will be able to act with the same authority you would
have if you were able to act for yourself and will have the authority to consent, refuse to
consent to medical treatment including decisions about withdrawing or withholding life-
sustaining treatment. It is, therefore, important that you know and trust your agent and
that your agent is aware of your preferences for health care treatment.
Even after you sign this document, you will still be able to make your health care
decisions assuming you are still considered mentally competent. Your agent cannot act
on your behalf until your physician has determined that you are no longer physically or
mentally able to make medical decisions.
The person you choose as your agent must be at least eighteen years old and someone
that you trust with your health care. Your agent is not liable for any decisions they make
on your behalf, as long as those decisions were made in good faith. You should make
sure that you have chosen agent wants to take on the role as agent. Discuss your
medical preferences with your agent so they are aware of your wishes. Review this
document with your agent so they are aware of their role. You also may choose a back-
up agent in case your other agent is unavailable to act. Your back-up agent should also
be over 18 and aware of your preferences.
You may revoke this document at any time while you are still competent to do so. You
may revoke it by telling your medical provider and your agent that you are revoking the
document or you may provide them a written revocation. If you execute another power
of attorney later, that will have the effect of revoking this one.
In order for this document to be valid, it must be signed in the presence of a notary or
two witnesses. If you choose to have two witnesses sign, they must be at least 18,
competent and independent and not your agent or related to your agent.