Middle Ground Alternatives

Power of Attorney, cont'd

• The medical POA document is different from the power of attorney form that authorizes someone to make financial transactions for the principal. If the person doesn’t appoint a medical POA, the decisions about that person’s health care default to the spouse. If the person isn’t legally married, decisions fall to the adult children or the parents.

• A Medical Power of Attorney form allows the health care agent or proxy to (a) use a living will as a guide and (b) interpret the principal’s wishes when unexpected developments aren't specifically addressed by the living will.

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