How to Enact Medical Power of Attorney

Medical power of attorney can be a good way to ensure that your wishes are considered in the event that you’re incapacitated and can’t make medical decisions for yourself. You’ll need to prepare for this prior to needing it, so you’ll want to visit an attorney and appoint someone.

Medical power of attorney is done when one person is no longer able to make a decision for themselves. This may be because they are physically unable or mentally. Enacting it is something that will take a series of steps that are not too complicated.

• Decide on a power of attorney holder that you trust with this decision. They have to be at least 18 years old and be mentally competent to do so. A close relative or a spouse is typically the person that gets this power.


• Speak with the person you are giving the power over to. Let them know what you would like to happen and what your expectations are in the event of any medical issues. It is a good idea for you to have this talk with them before any major surgery.


• Meet with a lawyer so that you can have the papers drawn up. The power of attorney will go solely to medical situations where you are no longer able to make any decisions. Sign and date the paperwork and have them notarized.


• Give the person that has the power of attorney a copy of all of the paperwork that has been done. This ensures that they have proof should anything happen. Have a copy for yourself as well.


• Let your doctors, relatives and health insurance know about who your power of attorney is. They may need a copy of the paperwork as well for their records. It is a good idea to let your power of attorney know of any serious medical changes.