What is a Durable Medical Power of Attorney or Advanced Directive?
A “medical power of attorney” is an instrument that gives your agent the power or authority to act on your behalf in making medical decisions. Virginia Code 54.1-2984 provides that an advance directive (durable medical power of attorney) executed pursuant to this article may • direct a specific procedure or treatment to be provided, such as artificially administered hydration and nutrition; • direct a specific procedure or treatment to be withheld; or • appoint an agent to make health care decisions for the declarant as specified in the advance directive if the declarant is determined to be incapable of making an informed decision, including the decision to make, after the declarant’s death, an anatomical gift of all of the declarant’s body or organs, tissues or eyes. An advantage of a durable medical power of attorney over a living will is that the former provides not only directions as to your wishes, but also an advocate to help ensure that your wishes are followed. 14. Can you revo
