You may use a power of attorney to give a trusted individual authority to make decisions for you. With a durable medical power of attorney, you appoint someone to make medical decisions for you after you are no longer competent. In some states, your agent cannot be the owner or an employee of a residential care facility already serving you.
Medical Power of Attorney
The person you name in a durable medical power of attorney will be able to make critical health care decisions for you if you become incapacitated, including selecting doctors, determining treatment and choosing a nursing home facility. You should select someone in whom you have the utmost confidence and discuss your health care preferences with her.
State Limitations
States set different limitations on whom you can name as a health care agent in a power of attorney. Some states prevent you from selecting anyone who is currently responsible for meeting your health care needs, which includes your doctors or nurses, as well as owners or employees of a residential care facility where you currently reside. Someone who is currently providing your health or residential care may not be able to make an independent analysis of your best treatment options.
