Do I really need a Health Care Power of Attorney?

This is the person who will speak with the doctors and hospitals on your behalf.  They will have the authority to admit you to the hospital, nursing home, etc.  They have the authority to sign paperwork, gain access to your medical records, etc.

Sometimes these agents differ from the POA above as these are the folks who you want to be empathetic.  These people are not controlling any of your accounts or assets.  Usually these are members of your family, even if they are not the best financial managers.  It is not a good idea to have Co-Agents here although we can place an “or” between agents, which means that any of your designated agents may act on your behalf.

Please provide legal name, relationship, address & telephone for Level 2, 3 4, etc. agents.  (It is also a good idea to put cell phones or pagers here, too.  Remember the hospital may need to get in touch with them quickly!)

THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT YOUR LIVING WILL a/k/a ADVANCE DIRECTIVE.  The Living Will is a separate document—a contract between YOU and YOUR PHYSICIAN.  Your Living Will should override your HCPOA agent, although the choice is yours.  We will explain this document in detail to you at our final meeting.