End of life choices are painful to think about, much less decide. Yet, the unfortunate reality is that every day loved ones are forced to make these painful decisions on behalf of a parent, a spouse, or a special friend or family member. Advance medical directives can’t take away the pain of losing a loved one, but they can at least reassure the person burdened with making those difficult decisions that a loved one’s wishes are being honored.
A good medical power of attorney takes a “belt and suspenders” approach to advance medical directives. The document should include all of the following:
- Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
Similar to a durable power of attorney for your financial and personal affairs, this document allows you to designate a patient advocate who will make your health care decisions when you are incapacitated. - Living Will
Your “Living Will” instructs your patient advocate regarding your end of life decisions. A Living Will provides you the opportunity to determine if, and to what extent, you want your life to be sustained by artificial means if you are in an irreversible coma or a persistent vegetative state. - HIPAA Authorization
Absent your written authorization, doctors are prohibited by state and federal law to share your medical information with anyone. A HIPAA authorization allows doctors to share your medical information only with those you specify.
Like most attorneys, Gielow Groom Terpstra & McEvoy advises that you provide a copy of your medical power of attorney to your physician to be kept with your medical records. If you have questions or need help drafting a medical power of attorney or other advance medical directive, our estate planning attorneys have assisted clients in Muskegon, Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Holland, Grand Rapids, and throughout West Michigan, and they can help you too. Contact us at our local Muskegon law firm.