What is a durable power of attorney for health care?

A durable power of attorney for health care is a legal document that allows a person to appoint a trusted individual to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. This document is especially important for those wishing to maintain control over their healthcare decisions even if they should become incapacitated. In Kansas, this document must be signed by two witnesses, notarized or witnessed by a doctor, and filed with the county clerk to become legally valid. A durable power of attorney for health care allows a person to designate who can make healthcare decisions on their behalf, as well as the type of health care decisions that can be made. This document specifies the power to make decisions such as consenting to medical treatments, selecting care providers, paying medical bills, and more. It can also provide information about the individual’s preferences for care in situations where life-saving treatments are being considered. It’s important to note that a durable power of attorney for health care does not take effect until the person named in the document is medically incapacitated. These documents should be reviewed regularly and updated if necessary. Without one, a court may need to appoint an individual to make decisions for those who are unable to do so for themselves.

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