Choosing a “healthcare agent” might be one of the most important decisions you ever make.
An “agent” or “healthcare agent” is someone chosen by you to make medical decisions on your behalf, should you become incapacitated and unable to do so yourself. Depending on your particular needs and your particular estate planning documents, your agent might be able to assist at the end of life, making such decisions as whether or not to leave you on life support. – Or they might be able to make decisions during any medical procedure in which you find yourself incapacitated.
Regardless of your estate planning, whether you have a Living Trust, Healthcare Power of Attorney, HIPPA Authorization, or all the above – the big question is how do you go about choosing your healthcare agent?
There is no right or wrong answer in regards to who you designate, provided the person chosen is trusted by you to make decisions based solely on your wishes, morals, ethics, and intentions.
For this very reason, most people designate a family member or friend. Regardless of your choice however, simply appointing a person isn’t enough.
Agreeing to be your agent doesn’t guarantee the designee will make decisions which reflect your intentions. Your agent needs to know what is expected of them. By discussing with them your beliefs, fears and medical care preferences (in various situations), your agent will be empowered to make better decisions.
Conversations about personal beliefs, illness, and mortality can be difficult conversations to have. But these conversations are necessary if your agent is to properly represent you.
For more information on Living Trusts, Healthcare Power of Attorneys, HIPPA Authorizations, or any estate planning documents, please schedule a consultation with a qualified estate planning attorney.
