Advance Directives
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To Complete a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
- Use a form from the state of which you are a resident.
- Carefully select the persons you want to act as your Agent and/or Alternate Agent. Discuss the role of your Agent and/or Alternate Agent with the persons you select and obtain their consent.
- Tell your agent what kinds of health care decisions you want made on your behalf. You should also consider any written instructions you might wish to include to limit the Agent's authority or to provide guidance for your Agent. There is space on the forms for these types of instructions.
- Sign your Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care in front of appropriate witnesses as required under state law.
- Your Agent and Alternate Agent must sign your Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care indicating they accept appointment and are willing to serve.
- After signing a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, distribute copies of the document to you Agent or Alternate Agent. It is recommended you provide copies for your doctor, other health care providers and family members.
- DO NOT keep your only copy locked away. For your instructions to be followed, your Advance Directive needs to be available to your Agent, family, and your health care provider.
* A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care does not have anything to do with finances. If you already have a Durable Power of Attorney for financial decisions, it may not cover health care decisions.