Healthcare directives are essential components of estate planning. They provide clear instructions about your medical care preferences and designate trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
These directives often include:
Designation of Healthcare Agent. This document is often referred to by various names, such as Healthcare Surrogate Designation, Healthcare Power of Attorney, and Medical Power of Attorney. This document names an individual to make healthcare decisions for you when you no longer have capacity to do so. Typically, this allows the person (called an "Agent" or "Surrogate") to receive and review proposed medical treatment information and make decisions about treatment.
HIPAA Authorization. This document allows your designated representative(s) access to your private health information. This document is required due to the restrictions imposed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”).
Living Will. Also known as an Advance Directive, this document is a declaration made by you that directs medical personnel as to your wishes concerning life- prolonging treatment and the provision of artificially provided nutrition and hydration (i.e., feeding tubes).
Depending upon our state of residence, these documents may be grouped together into one or more documents, as defined and recognized by state law.