What is a durable power of attorney for healthcare?

A durable power of attorney for healthcare (DPOA-HC) is a legal document, recognized in Oregon, that allows you to appoint an adult to make healthcare decisions for you in the event that you become incapacitated. With a DPOA-HC, you can decide who will make decisions about your medical care instead of having the courts or your family members make them for you. A DPOA-HC is also known as an advanced health care directive. It gives the person you have chosen (called the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) authority to make decisions for you related to your medical care, such as what kind of medical treatments to pursue. The document also allows you to specify to your agent your wishes regarding end-of-life care, such as whether or not to use life-sustaining treatments or artificially prolong your life. A DPOA-HC is typically created in addition to a living will, which is a document in which you can express your preferences about end-of-life care. Living wills are important, but they may not provide enough detail for some medical decisions. Therefore, a DPOA-HC can give your agent the discretion and authority to make decisions for you that your living will may not cover. It is important to note that a DPOA-HC only takes effect if you become incapacitated and are unable to make your own decisions. This is why it is important to choose an agent who you trust and who will make the decisions that you would want them to make. Once you have your DPOA-HC, remember to keep it in a safe and secure place so it can be easily accessed in the event that it is ever needed.

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What is a durable power of attorney for healthcare?

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