What is a healthcare power of attorney?

A healthcare power of attorney (HCPOA) is a document designated by the law of North Carolina that allows an individual to appoint another person, known as the “agent,” to make medical decisions on the individual’s behalf. The agent must follow the principal’s instructions and is not allowed to make decisions on their own. Under the law of North Carolina, the principal will need to include in the HCPOA document specific instructions regarding their wishes when it comes to medical treatment, end-of-life decisions, the information sharing or withholding of medical records, mental health treatments, and whether or not the agent is allowed to make anatomical donation decisions. The principal will also need to provide relevant information regarding the agent including their name, address, and contact information. It is also necessary to describe the agent’s relationship to the principal. The principal can also include any other specific instructions that they would like the agent to follow. Once the HCPOA is completed and signed, the principal will need to submit it to a notary for legal authentication. The notary serves as a witness to the signing of the document and is responsible for verifying the identities of the principal and the agent. Once the document is notarized, it becomes legally valid and binding in North Carolina. This ensures that any medical decisions will be made in accordance with the wishes of the principal.

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What is a healthcare power of attorney?

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