This is Part 4 of the Important Documents series. The last article was about the Durable Power of Attorney. I explained what it is and how to obtain one. The Durable Power of Attorney can be confused with the Medical Power of Attorney. Today I will be writing about the Medical Power of Attorney. Specifically, I will write about what it is, why it is important, and how to create one.

Medical Power of Attorney

What is a Medical Power of Attorney? A Medical Power of Attorney is a document that allows someone else to make healthcare decisions for you¹. The decisions this person makes could include treatment options, end-of-life care, surgeries, and more.

You might have a different term for Medical Power of Attorney depending on where you live. Other common names are Power of Attorney for Healthcare, Advanced Directive, Advance Healthcare Directive, and Medical Power of Attorney Directive². All of these are different names for the same document.

Importance of a Medical Power of Attorney

Most of my Cystic Fibrosis friends I have talked to either have a Medical Power of Attorney or plan on creating one. And I have many memories of making sure the hospital had mine when I was admitted. Having a Medical Power of Attorney is so important if you have Cystic Fibrosis.

It can feel like a lot when you start making your Medical Power of Attorney. This is a new document. It is also made for when you can’t make choices for yourself. But it is important to recall that making one can give you peace of mind.

When you create your Medical Power of Attorney, you may choose to make it durable. In the last article, I explained that durable means that it still works even if you are incapacitated. This is understood in most cases, but it is important to be certain. Being certain will help your health care team and family avoid any confusion in the future¹.

Creating a Medical Power of Attorney

Just like there are many names to call a Medical Power of Attorney, there are also many options when choosing an agent. Choosing an agent means that you are choosing who you want to make medical decisions for you. It is important to fully study who you are choosing as your agent in your Medical Power of Attorney. This needs to be someone you trust.

Simplify the process

But how do you choose who to make your agent with your Medical Power of Attorney? And how do you create one? The writers at Freewill.com have provided the following steps to simplify the process.

1. Decide who you want to be your healthcare agent. Just like there are many names to call a Medical Power of Attorney, there are also many choices when naming your healthcare agent. Choosing a healthcare agent means choosing who will be able to make medical decisions for you if you cannot. This person will have a lot of power. When choosing your agent, remember these two things:
   • You need to trust them completely.
   • They need to have your best interests at heart.
2. Decide which healthcare decisions your healthcare agent will be able to make.
3. Get a Medical Power of Attorney form. You can get these forms from the state. The state will often provide free, blank Medical Power of Attorney forms. Getting them customized can sometimes be expensive. If that isn’t an option for you, some online platforms provide the documents you need to create your Medical Power of Attorney, like at FreeWill.com.
4. Complete the form, sign, and witness it according to the laws in your state. Most states require that you get your Medical Power of Attorney notarized. Some states require multiple witnesses and the signature of your healthcare agent. Be sure to find out what is necessary to make it a legal document.
5. Give a copy of your Medical Power of Attorney to your agent and other interested parties. Be sure to share your Medical Power of Attorney with your doctors, your usual hospital, and your healthcare agent. Your healthcare agent will have to provide proof of the document before they can make decisions for you.
6. Keep your Medical Power of Attorney form in a safe place. Some people keep their Medical Power of Attorney in a special binder or file cabinet. No matter where you choose, make sure it is safe and accessible.
7. Update your Medical Power of Attorney as your circumstances change.

Creating important documents such as a Medical Power of Attorney requires time and patience. Additionally, it can feel overwhelming. Remember that this form is a tool in your toolbox for down the road. Hopefully, it will never be needed. But having it ready and not needing it is better than needing it and not having it.

Be sure to speak with whoever you have chosen to be your healthcare agent. Have an open conversation with them. Remember that this will hopefully provide peace around a subject that is often scary. Speak with your support system and recall that changes can be made. Making sure your wants and desires are carried out is so important.