Everything You Need to Know About a Medical Power of Attorney
According to the World Health Organization, around 14% of older adults have a mental disorder. As someone who suffers from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), I’m willing to bet that out of that 14%, a large number struggle with anxiety. Some of you reading this might be like me, worrying over anything and everything. Others, however, might have a more specific form of anxiety. You might have health-related anxiety, also called hypochondria. Maybe you’ve worried about your health every single day since you were young. Now, you’re older, and all those irrational fears that plagued you when you were young and able-bodied?
Well, they might not seem so irrational anymore.
Perhaps you dread getting sick. Not just a cold or something that passes after a week. Really, truly ill to the point that you can’t take care of yourself. What will happen to you? Your finances? Who can step up and make important medical decisions for you? The good news is that there’s a legal document that exists just for scenarios like the one I mentioned. It’s called the medical power of attorney. And here’s everything you need to know about it.
What is a medical power of attorney?
You’ve probably heard the words “medical power of attorney” tossed around before. Also known as a durable power of attorney for healthcare, this legal document lets you appoint an agent to make medical decisions for you. As Ramsey Solutions notes, the person you choose to be your medical representative can only make those decisions if your doctor says you can’t make them yourself. Still, this person will be your voice and your advocate if you become incapacitated, so in the words of the grail knight from The Last Crusade, choose wisely!
How can I choose wisely, though?
I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that choosing the right agent is a matter of life and death. No pressure! First, you need to choose someone you trust implicitly. That ride-or-die friend or loved one you can always count on. Ideally, you should be more than mere acquaintances. They should be someone you know well, like:
- A spouse or partner
- Your best friend
- A member of your church
- An adult child
- Your parent
- A trusted sibling or cousin
- Your neighbor
Your medical POA agent should probably also be someone who:
- Isn’t intimidated by medical professionals.
- Knows how to ask tough questions (and is comfortable speaking up).
- Understands and respects your wishes enough to carry them out.
- Can stay calm under pressure.
- Isn’t afraid to make decisions, even tough calls that might be emotionally difficult.
Don’t just choose someone because they’re a kind person or part of your inner circle. Although you might trust your bestie with your very life, they might not have the medical knowledge or grit you want in your agent. As I said before, this person will be your advocate. Your voice when you’re voiceless. Sit down with them and tell them the treatments or medications you’d want in the event of X, Y, and Z. Make sure they understand your healthcare wishes and have the guts to carry them out, no matter how hard it might be for them. For example, maybe if you were in a coma, you’d want the doctors to pull the plug and take you off life support. Could your agent handle the pressure of making that decision? Would they feel guilty or reluctant to tell the doctors that’s what you want? Take your time and be choosy!
What can my agent do?
We’ve established that your agent will make those tough calls for you when you physically can’t. But what, if anything, is the scope of their power? What kind of medical decisions might they be asked to make? Per Ramsey Solutions, some of the questions your agent might need to answer for you include:
Preferred healthcare providers
Where I live, there are about three major hospitals that each have their own pros and cons. If you have a doctor or hospital you’d prefer to handle your care, let your agent know!
What tests to run
Maybe you’d object to a certain kind of test. If that’s the case, let your agent know so they can speak up for you when you can’t!
What medications you take (or don’t want to take)
Your agent should have a working knowledge of what medications you currently take, what medications you’re willing to take, and also which medications you don’t want to take.
Your religious beliefs
According to Hermance Law, you should also tell your agent what you believe spiritually! Make sure they understand your religious values and views on certain medical treatments and procedures.
Whether to disconnect life support if you’re in a coma
Two years ago, some of my distant relatives were faced with an impossible decision. My third cousin had gotten into a serious ATV accident and was now in a coma. Doctors weren’t even sure if she’d make it, let alone if she had serious brain damage. Although my relatives ultimately chose not to pull the plug, you might feel differently. You might not wish to be resuscitated if you ever find yourself in my third cousin’s place.
Your current medical conditions
Per Hermance Law, you should share your current medical history with your agent. Your current medical conditions will definitely factor into your care plan, so your agent needs to know about them so your doctors can!
When would my medical power of attorney go into effect?
According to Free Will, your medical POA goes into effect the second a doctor declares you incapacitated. In other words, if you can’t speak for yourself or understand the consequences of a healthcare decision, you can’t be trusted to advocate for yourself. This generally happens when you’re under anaesthesia, in a coma, sedated, or receiving end of life support.
How can I get a medical POA?
The good news is that it’s not as complicated as you might think. Ramsey Solutions listed a few simple steps on their website, which can be found HERE.
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Originally published July 30, 2025
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