Medical Power of Attorney Rules

A medical power of attorney is when a person is incapacitated and needs someone to make a decision for him. Someone that has medical problems he needs to address they can choose a medical power of attorney. A medical power of attorney can help a friend or family member make a decision on the person's behalf.

Deciding on a POA

A medical power of attorney is a person who can help make a medical decision on your behalf. Select a person who will make the best decisions. Make a legal document, and sign it along with the person that was chosen.

How to Obtain a POA

Obtain a power of attorney from a physician, attorney or hospital; a lawyer is not required to make this document legal. There must be two witnesses to sign the POA, but one of these witnesses must be unrelated to the patient.

Time Frame

A power of attorney is effective as soon as the patient and the two witnesses sign the documents. Sometimes there is a date on the document showing when the POA should start. The power of attorney stays in effect as long as the patient and witness permit, or until the date listed on the power of attorney.

Decisions

The person appointed the power of attorney can make medical decisions on the patient's behalf, only if the doctor feels that the patient is incapacitated and unable to make a decision on his own. If the POA does make a decision, this decision must be placed in writing. After that the proxy will determine, the choice of the medical decision.