A Health Care Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to designate a person (an "Agent") who will have the authority to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated, or otherwise unable to make such decisions.
In Missouri, you can also express your wishes regarding whether you wish to receive "life-sustaining procedures" if you become permanently comatose or terminally ill. This is known as your “Advanced Health Directive.” Your Advance Health Care Directive, sometimes commonly referred to as a “Living Will”, will express your wishes as to whether you do or do not want to receive life-sustaining treatment and will guide your Agent so that he or she knows your wishes when they make medical decisions for you.
A Health Care Directive and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care only becomes effective when you do not have the capacity to give, withdraw or withhold informed consent regarding your health care. There are certain legal requirements that must be followed in order to make a valid Health Care Directive and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. Contact The Kaiser Law Firm, P.C. today for more information.
Why Should I Make an Advanced Health Care Directive and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?
It is important that you let your loved ones know your wishes in advance and to name someone you trust to carry out your wishes in a Health Care Directive and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. Without a Health Care Directive and Durable Power of Attorney For Health Care your wishes may not be followed, your family may not agree as to whether you should receive life-sustaining treatment, the hospital will not remove life-sustaining treatment even if that was your wish, and ultimately litigation could arise during a time of crisis.
Call your St. Louis, Missouri Health Care Power of Attorneys at The Kaiser Law Firm, P.C. to discuss your advance health care planning today.