Reply #6: Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care [View All]

[serryjw]

You need to choose someone wisely that has the same beliefs that you do. When I was going thru treatment for Breast cancer I knew if things got bad my brother would NEVER 'pull the plug'. My greatest fear is that I lay in some hospital with tubes running in/out of me forever. Make your wishes KNOWN explicitly. Leave NOTHING to be debated in the future by your family. Look what is happening to Shrievo in Florida. Who knows what her wishes are?

Q: What powers can I give my health care agent?

A DPAHC allows you to give your health care agent as broad or as limited powers as you like. While state laws may vary, the powers you can give to your agent usually include:

The right to select or discharge care providers and institutions;
The right to refuse or consent to treatment;
The right to access medical records;
The right to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatment;
The power to make anatomical gifts.

My brother does not believe in being an organ donor..I DO! Make sure you cover this.

http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=434