What is a medical directive’?
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What is a medical directive’?
If someone gets sick, it is like a power of attorney?
Asked on November 4, 2017 under Estate Planning, Massachusetts
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
That first line should read, "Basically, what you are referring to is a legal document (i.e. "directive" or "declaration") which contains instructions regarding your health care decisions if you should become incapacitated".
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Basically, what you are referring to is a legal document (i.e. "directive" or "declaration") which contains instructions regarding your health care decisions if should they become incapacitated. Additionally, a medical power of attorney allows you to name a trusted person to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to communicate on your own. In a power of attorney for health care, you can give your agent the authority to oversee your wishes as set out in your medical directive (or health care declaration) and to make other necessary decisions about your health care. Oftern, states combine the declaration and durable power of attorney into a single form, most often called an "advance health care directive."
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