Power Of Attorney - Health Care Agent Information

As noted in yesterdays post, there is not a lot of information for Agents on what their powers and responsibilities are. This post will outline some of the powers and responsibilities are in relation to a Health Care Power of Attorney (POA).

A POA Health Care agent may be able to:

1. Give, refuse, or withdraw consent to all typesof medical care. Including physical and metal health:
• Medication Program
• Surgical Pocedures
• Life-Sustaining Treatment
• Provision of food and fluids
2. Contract for Health Care services and facilities in the name of the principle.
3. Examine and copy all medical records
4. To order an austopsy be made and direct the disposition of deceased's remains. 

Principle's Health Wishes Checklist
Discussing the Issues

• Talk with the principle about their values and what kind of medical care they want - or do not want - in certian circumstances.
• Would they want to be revived if:
• their heart stopped
• their breathing stopped
• Various Forms of Life Support:
• breathing tubes
• feeding tubes
• respirators
• artificial nutrition
• artificial hydration
• kidney dialysis
• other machines

Does the Principle have a Do Not Resuscitate Order? (DRN)

Does the Principle want Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation? (CPR)

Would the Principle refuse a blood transfusion on the basis of personal belief?