Columbus, Ohio Health Care Power of Attorney
Also known as a medical power of attorney, a health care power of attorney is simply a method of allowing another person to make medical and health care decisions on your behalf, should you become incapacitated and not be able to make your own decisions in regards to health care issues.
Although it’s certainly not a situation we like to think about, the matter can become quite tangled should you find yourself in an incapacitated state from an accident, a medical emergency or any type of health care issue that you’re unable to make your own decisions on. Any issue may arise such as a coma or a fragile mental condition.
Health Care Power of Attorney Agent
If you (known as the principal) don’t designate someone as your health care power of attorney (known legally as your agent), then someone else will be. It’s not always your nearest relative that you may feel is best suited to make these type of decisions for you. Many times you may want another person who you feel would be better placed to decide your future medically, and not left to someone you feel would be inept, or not be able to make decisions in your best interest. You should also consider naming an alternate agent or designee should your first choice be unavailable.
As designated by you, your agent may be able to make medical and health care decisions on your behalf involving:
Life sustaining treatment
Administration of drugs or treatment
Health care personnel
DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders
Transfer to certain facilities such as:
a) assisted living
b) hospital
c) hospice
d) nursing home
e) adult care facility
Of course, your agent cannot make certain health care decisions on your behalf if those decisions are not in your best interest. Talk to your lawyer about what decisions and consent you may or may not wish to leave up to your agent such as:
Withdrawing life-sustaining treatment under certain conditions.
Withdrawing treatment that you have already consented to under certain conditions.
Withdrawing health care intended to keep you comfortable.
Health Care Power of Attorney Lawyer
Seeking professional help to make sure your wishes are met may be one of the wisest decisions you’ll ever make. An Ohio lawyer who is well versed in state law is by far and away the best option in making sure your wishes are met, and that sound and feasible health care decisions are made on your behalf in the unfortunate event of your incapacitation.
Health Care Informed Consent
In general, medical procedures, services, care or treatment, both mental conditions and physical ones, will be up to your agent or designee to give informed consent, deny to give informed consent, or withdraw informed consent on your behalf.
Preparing for the Future – Health Care Power of Attorney
Making sure your wishes are met should you become mentally or physically incapacitated. It could end up being an important aspect and moment in your life. Make sure you talk to a health care power of attorney who is both experienced and knowledgeable in this area. Contact us today to setup an appointment to discuss the future of your health care needs.
Ohio Health Care Power of Attorney FAQ
What if I have both a Living Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney?
A living will take precedence over a health care power of attorney, should they conflict with one another.
What about my medical information and records?
As the principal you can also designate an agent who will be able to have access to, and gather, your medical records. Such records and information is important when determining the path forward for any health care decisions on your behalf.
I have minor children, can I setup health care power of attorney for them?
It would be a good idea, should you become incapacitated, that your children’s health care needs are as per your wishes in certain situations.
I have an adult disabled child, can I setup a health care power of attorney for them?
Yes, if they cannot make such decisions on their own, and you have become incapacitated, then setting up a health care power of attorney for them may be a good idea.
Does a health care power of attorney in Ohio or Columbus need to be notarized?
In the state of Ohio, a health care power of attorney should be notarized, or your signature should be witnessed by at least two people.
Who should I choose as my health care power of attorney agent?
Someone who knows you well enough, and someone you can trust, to make sound medical decisions on your behalf, both mentally and physically. The person you designate does not have to be a relative.
Can I use a health care power of attorney to name a guardian for my minor children?
Yes, a health care power of attorney allows you to do so.
If incapacitated and terminal, can I choose to die naturally, rather than have my life prolonged?
Yes. With a health care power of attorney you can designate whether certain life-sustaining treatment is used. This can include technologically supplied hydration and nutrition, and/or CPR. Your doctor will also issue a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order.
Helpful Links: