Healthcare is a basic need, and the decisions surrounding it are critical. If you (or a loved one) can’t make sound healthcare decisions for yourself (him/herself), it can be extremely unsettling. The good news is that all isn’t lost thanks to the healthcare power of attorney. In this informative blog post, we’re going to focus on the healthcare power of attorney and what it is all about. The following article provides great detail:
What is a Healthcare Power Of Attorney – HCPA
A healthcare power of attorney or HCPA is a legal form that allows an individual to empower another with decisions regarding his or her healthcare and medical treatment.
BREAKING DOWN Healthcare Power Of Attorney – HCPA
Healthcare power of attorney becomes active when a person is unable to make decisions or consciously communicate intentions regarding treatments.
The healthcare power of attorney allows people who become unable to make their own decisions to exercise their beliefs and wishes regarding medical procedures. The person’s agent can communicate on behalf of the sick or injured person, preventing unwanted treatment or making necessary decisions in the event that the individual is unable to do so. Read more at Investopedia…
In short, the healthcare power of attorney delegates the power to make any medical decision for a person, especially in case of an emergency. That seals any loophole associated with healthcare for you or loved ones.
The healthcare power of attorney is not like any other document you just sign and start using. It is a legal document and the following post explains more about it in the North Carolina context:
North Carolina Power of Attorney Forms
A Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney has been created by the North Carolina legislature. The form may be found in the North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 32C, at Section 32C-3-301. Although the law states that POAs created before the new law are still effective, it would be a good idea to create a new one using the current form.
The form lists various types of financial transactions, each of which is explained in detail in the North Carolina General Statutes. To give your agent the power to engage in all matters, you can initial the line in front of the phrase “All Preceding Subjects.” Read more at Legal Zoom…
In essence, you need the input of a lawyer who is up to date on the latest developments in legal matters.
Before your healthcare power of attorney is signed, you need to know its effectiveness in other states. This is especially so if you work or live in different states for one reason or the other. It’s crucial that you understand these details, which the following post examines in deeper detail:
Will Other States Accept My Living Will & Health Care Power of Attorney?
If you regularly spend time in more than one state, it’s smart to consider whether a living will, advance directive, or health care power of attorney made in your home state will be valid in the second state, too. Usually, it will be. Most states accept health care directives from other states as long as the documents are legally valid in the state where they were made — but this is not always the case.
When Your Health Care Documents May Not Be Accepted
Some states limit the extent to which they will honor health care directives from other states, accepting the documents only so far as they comply with their own laws. Read more at Nolo…
To ensure that your wishes are recognized, it’s important that you work with a competent lawyer to draw up your healthcare power of attorney. He or she will do all the background work that is required to ensure your documents are ironclad.
If you’re in the metro Charlotte region, attorney Jonathan Meek has the education and experience needed to handle all of your legal needs. Call Meek Law Firm today at (704) 848-6335 to ensure that your health concerns are addressed and settled. We look forward to hearing from you.
Keep reading about Healthcare Power of Attorney: Understanding The Ins and Outs at Meek Law Firm
Meek Law Firm 