Understanding The Health Care Power Of Attorney And Your Wishes

A health care power of attorney is a document that designates an agent who makes medical decisions for you if you cannot make these decisions yourself. The agent’s decisions should be based on your wishes that you make clear in that document.

The second part of protecting your health care decisions is a living will, which outlines what type of medical care you wish to receive in the event that you become terminally ill and are at the end of life, sustain severe and irreversible brain damage, or are permanently unconscious. This can include wishes regarding pain-relieving treatment, the withdrawal of life-prolonging procedures and the use of tube feeding. While you clearly state your wishes, your agent will still be able to communicate with medical professionals on your behalf.

If you do not name an agent, Pennsylvania law permits a representative be appointed for you through a guardianship proceeding. The representative appointed may not be the person whom you want making your health care decisions. At the Quinn Law Firm in Erie, our estate planning attorneys can help you designate the right individual as your agent and help you clearly state your wishes for every possible scenario, leaving no ambiguity.

We Can Help You Make These Important Decisions

Few people want to think about these health care decisions, but it is necessary. Let our attorneys guide you through them with compassion and a focus on your best interests and peace of mind. To learn more, contact the Quinn Law Firm online or call our office in Erie at 814-806-2518 today.