Can someone also use a power of attorney for health care decisions?
Yes, more people are recognizing the importance of planning ahead for health care decisions. A health care power of attorney and instructions about your health care wishes should help your family follow your wishes regarding medical treatment and care. An individual who has sufficient mental capacity can either create a separate power of attorney for health care matters or combine financial and health care powers within a single document. New Mexico has two different ways to create a health care power of attorney. You (the principal) may: (1) use the do-it-yourself New Mexico power of attorney form, initialing the health care powers, as well as whatever financial powers you wish to give your agent, and signing the form in the presence of a notary public; or (2) create a separate power of attorney that contains only health care powers. In 1995 the New Mexico legislature passed the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act (UHCDA). UHCDA also contains provisions for health care powers of attorne
