Health & Benefits

A Power of Attorney for Health Care is a legal document that lets you choose someone to make medical decisions for you. This person, called your agent, can make choices about your health care when you choose or if you are no longer able to make your own decisions.

Your agent should be someone you trust, like a trusted family member, friend, or advisor. They must be over 18 and able to make responsible decisions. Your agent will be able to decide on medical treatments, hospital care, and end-of-life decisions, such as ventilators or life support. You can also set limits on what decisions they can or cannot make.

If you are giving someone power of attorney for health care, you may also want to look into giving someone power of attorney for property. Someone with power of attorney for property can handle your money and make financial decisions for you if you can't do it yourself. 

Learn answers to common questions about Powers of Attorney for Health Care.