Why A Healthcare Power Of Attorney Is Important For Residents Of Monroe County, TN

In this article, you can discover…

• The importance and value of a healthcare power of attorney.
• How often to update your healthcare power of attorney.
• The ways a healthcare power of attorney can ensure continued care.

What Is The Purpose Of A Healthcare Power Of Attorney?

A healthcare power of attorney serves as a document that authorizes someone to make medical decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so. This is extremely important, as someone will be able to easily step in if you are incapacitated to make medical decisions for you.

Setting up a healthcare power of attorney before you need one is ideal, as it helps to alleviate stress and allows you to designate a decision-maker on your own terms. This can avoid issues by clearly labeling your wishes so that they can be followed when you are without capacity.

How Does A Healthcare Power Of Attorney Differ From A Living Will?

A living will serves as a legal documentation of an individual’s preferences as they relate to medical treatment in the event that they are incapacitated. It is important to note that your living will only come into play if you are either determined to be incapacitated, are suffering from a life-threatening condition, or have entered a vegetative state. Your living will provides instructions on your medical preferences so that you can continue receiving treatment even if you no longer have agency over your choices.

Alternatively, a healthcare power of attorney is a legal document that appoints another individual as an agent with the authority to make medical decisions in your best interest while you are incapacitated. Whenever an individual is either incapacitated or living with a life-threatening condition, it is important to have a healthcare power of attorney who will be able to follow specific instructions about the types of medical care you wish to receive and which treatments you wish to refuse.

How Can A Healthcare Power Of Attorney Ensure Continuity Of Care?

Once you have named an agent in your healthcare power of attorney document, your healthcare providers are going to rely on this person to guide them through your treatment as it pertains to your wishes. This will ensure that there are no serious delays or medical interventions that need to be made while clearly labeling who has authority over making medical decisions for you. This can ultimately save your family a great deal of stress in the long run by leaving nothing up to question and eliminating any confusion.

When Should I Update My Healthcare Power Of Attorney?

As a general rule, you should periodically review your documents and make updates anytime you experience a significant life change. If you change marital status, have a child, or even just want to make changes to your healthcare preferences, you can update your healthcare power of attorney at any time. For instance, some people may decide they no longer wish to have a Do Not Resuscitate order or need to make changes to their plans due to new legal developments.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Medical Power of Attorney In Tennessee, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (423) 456-4778 today.