Billings Medical Power of Attorney Lawyers

Helping Clients Plan for the Future

A medical power of attorney is a legal document where someone is appointed to make medical decisions on behalf of someone else. This person is often referred to as a “proxy”, health care agent, or health care surrogate, because they are acting in the interest of the patient. The proxy can be a family member, close friend, or legal professional—with the most important determining factor being someone who is trustworthy and has a good understanding of the patient’s medical history and wishes.

The medical power of attorney can be asked to make decisions about the patient’s medical care, including whether or not to accept life-saving treatment, decisions about end-of-life care, or organ donation. The proxy should be aware of the patient’s wishes in all of these situations and should have access to the patient’s medical records in advance to ensure swift and accurate decisions.

Because of the crucial role a proxy plays in someone’s medical care, it’s important to have this document completed with the highest level of accuracy and legal compliance. At Dietrich & Associates, P.C., our knowledgeable attorneys will tailor this document to your specific objectives and create an agreement that protects your wishes.

Call our experienced medical power of attorney lawyers in Billings today at (406) 344-1310 or reach out online to schedule a consultation.

When Should a Medical Power of Attorney be Created?

A medical power of attorney should ideally be created when an individual is of sound mind and good health. Preparing this document in advance ensures that, during a time of crisis, the designated agent can step in immediately, eliminating delays that could impact the quality of care. It’s a proactive step that provides reassurance for both the individual and their loved ones should that individual become incapacitated or unable to communicate due to serious illness or injury.

What Information Should be Included in a Medical Power of Attorney?

A comprehensive medical power of attorney should contain several key pieces of information to ensure its effectiveness. First and foremost, it should clearly identify the individual granting the power (the principal) and the person who will be making decisions on their behalf (the agent or proxy). The document should detail the specific situations under which the agent’s authority becomes effective, typically when the principal is deemed incapable of making their own health care decisions. Furthermore, it should provide explicit instructions regarding the principal’s wishes for medical treatment, including preferences for life-sustaining measures, end-of-life care, and organ donation. Contact information for the principal, agent, and any alternate agents should be included, along with the signature of the principal and notarization to validate the document. Lastly, periodic review and updated provisions may be added to ensure the document remains current with the principal’s wishes and the latest legal requirements.

Our experienced Billings medical power of attorney lawyers at Dietrich & Associates, P.C. will walk you through the drafting process and ensure that your specific wishes are met. In addition to this limited document, we can also assist with general, durable, and springing power of attorney—allowing you to choose the right document for your needs.

To learn more about how our attorneys can support your goals, call us at (406) 344-1310.