What is a Healthcare Proxy or Medical Power of Attorney?
The Healthcare Proxy or Medical Power of Attorney (also called a “Durable Power of Attorney”) is a written document that specifies a specific person whom you select to be your decision maker regarding medical treatment in the event you become incapacitated. It is different from a living will in that it can cover situations which do not involve life sustaining measures. For example, Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia or being in a coma are not life threatening medical situations. However, in all of these circumstances, the person is usually unable to make decisions for themselves and a Medical Power of Attorney or Healthcare Proxy will allow your designated person to make important medical decisions in those circumstances.
