What is a durable power of attorney for health care?
A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care is a statutory form in Illinois and in most other states. This is the more important of the two advance medical directives in Illinois, the other of which is a Living Will. By signing this document you entrust the agent with the legal authority to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so or if you are unable to communicate your decisions. As with an Illinois Durable Power of Attorney for Property, agents may not be named to act in concert, but only in succession. The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care includes the right to make medical decisions, to withdraw life support, and to authorize the donation of vital organs. This document transfers the responsibility of withdrawing life support systems from the attending physician to the person designated as agent once the physician has determined that there is no hope of recovery. It lifts from the shoulders of the physician the potential liability for withdrawing life suppo
A durable power of attorney for health care is a document in which you name another person to act as your agent to make your medical decisions should you become incapacitated. You can include instructions about which treatments you do or do not want. If you do not want artificial nutrition or hydration, New Hampshire law requires that you say so in your document.
