What is a Health Care Power of Attorney?

Thehealth care power of attorneyis a document that works in conjunction with a living will. It is a document where you can designate someone to be your representative, in the event you are unable tocommunicate your decisions about your health care. In the most basic form, a health care power of attorneysays, “I want this person to make decisions about my health care if I am unable to do so.”

This needs to bea person thatyou trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot make them for yourself. Most people choose their spouse, partner, relative, or close friend as their health care agent.

North Carolina requires that your health care agent be (i) at least 18 years of age, and (ii) not being compensated for providing you health care.Choosing this person is an important decision, and you should think carefully about who you want to assume this responsibility. This person may eventually be deciding whether or not life support will be in your best interests.

If you are in need of appointing someone as your healthcare power of attorney, Adkins Law may be able to help. Call today to set up a FREE Estate Planning consultation in our Huntersville office.