For many people, unexpected medical events or the natural effects of advanced age lead to a time in their lives when they are unable to make their own medical decisions. Whether it is temporary or permanent, their loved ones are left needing to step in and make their health care decisions.
Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) authorizes the people you choose to decide where you are cared for, how you are cared for, which medical professionals treat you, what surgeries or treatments you receive, and a host of other medically-necessary decisions. In the absence of doing this planning beforehand, your family could be forced to obtain a court-ordered guardianship to have the necessary legal authority to do what is needed for you.