Health Care Power of Attorney

What Is a Health Care Power of Attorney?

A health care power of attorney is a legal document that designates someone — called your attorney-in-fact (or agent) — to make medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated and can't make them yourself. This person steps in to communicate with your doctors, approve or decline treatments, and make sure your medical care aligns with your values.

This is different from a health care directive, which puts your specific wishes in writing. A health care power of attorney gives a trusted person the authority to make real-time decisions as situations come up — even ones you might not have anticipated.

Why Do You Need One?

Medical emergencies are unpredictable. If something happens and you can't speak for yourself, someone needs to step in. Without a health care power of attorney, that decision might fall to someone you wouldn't have chosen, or your family might have to go through the courts — potentially seeking a guardianship — to get the authority to act.

Choosing your own agent means you're in control of who speaks for you. It also takes an enormous burden off your family, because they'll know exactly who's in charge and that it's the principal's chosen representative. Your health care POA also includes HIPAA authorization, allowing your agent to access your medical records and communicate freely with health care providers.

Because Missouri allows "durable" powers of attorney, the authority you grant to your agent continues even after you become incapacitated — which is exactly when you need it most.

How The Taormina Firm Can Help

Vince helps you think through who the right person is for this role and what kind of authority you want to give them. It's a straightforward document, but the conversations around it matter. The Taormina Firm makes sure you feel confident in your choices and that your document is legally sound under Missouri law. Many clients pair a health care POA with a financial power of attorney and health care directive as part of a complete power of attorney plan.