There are different types of power of attorney. The greatest
need for a power of attorney is made in anticipation of a
medical emergency or disability. That is, if you are in an
accident, or suffer a disease or disorder that may leave you
unable to articulate your own wishes, a Medical Power of
Attorney form allows you to choose in advance who will represent
your interests, and can impose upon them the restrictions you
wish. You may wish to make clear, for example, that the person
is not authorized to override your “living will”, a document
which limits the right of doctors and hospitals to resuscitate
you or to utilize invasive life support to keep you alive. A
Medical Power of Attorney is a document, signed by a competent
adult, i.e., “principal,” designating a person that the
principal trusts to make health care decisions on the
principal’s behalf should the principal be unable to make such
decisions. The individual chosen to act on the principal’s
behalf is referred to as an “agent.” The agent should be k