How to Set Up a Medical Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania

Setting up a medical power of attorney (MPOA) in Pennsylvania is an essential step for individuals who want to ensure their healthcare wishes are respected in the event that they become incapacitated. An MPOA allows you to designate a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so.

Understanding Medical Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, a medical power of attorney is governed by the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. This legal document enables you to appoint an agent—often referred to as a healthcare proxy—who will make healthcare decisions based on your preferences. It’s important to understand that an MPOA is only effective when you are unable to communicate your own healthcare decisions.

Steps to Set Up a Medical Power of Attorney

1. Choose Your Agent

Your first step in setting up an MPOA is to select a responsible and trustworthy individual to be your agent. This person should understand your healthcare preferences and be willing to advocate for you. It is usually recommended to choose someone close, such as a family member or close friend, but they must be at least 18 years old and competent to make decisions.

2. Obtain the Required Form

In Pennsylvania, you can find a standard MPOA form through various legal resources or healthcare organizations. The Pennsylvania Department of Health provides a variety of advance directive forms online, which can also serve as a comprehensive guide.

3. Complete the Form

The form generally requires you to fill in your personal information, details about your selected agent, and specific healthcare preferences. It might also include instructions regarding life-sustaining treatment, organ donation, and other medical care preferences.

4. Sign the Document

To make your MPOA legally binding, you must sign the document in the presence of two witnesses or a notary public. The witnesses should be individuals who are not related to you and who cannot inherit from your estate. Having your MPOA notarized provides an additional layer of authentication.

5. Distribute Copies

Once the document is signed, it’s crucial to distribute copies to your designated agent, healthcare providers, and anyone else involved in your medical care. Keeping copies in accessible locations and providing them to family members will help ensure that your wishes are followed when needed.

6. Review and Update Your MPOA Regularly

As your healthcare preferences or personal circumstances change, it’s important to review and revise your MPOA accordingly. You can revoke your MPOA at any time as long as you are still competent. Simply communicate your decision to those involved and destroy copies of the previous MPOA.

Conclusion

Setting up a medical power of attorney in Pennsylvania is a vital step in planning for your healthcare future. By following these steps, you can ensure that your medical decisions align with your wishes, even when you are unable to communicate them. Make sure to consult with a legal professional if you have any questions or need assistance throughout the process.