This document allows an individual (the principal) to designate another person (the agent) to make health care decisions on the principal’s behalf. The agent’s authority becomes effective only if a physician designates in writing that the principal lacks capacity to make or communicate health care decisions. The agent’s authority expires if the principal regains capacity.
The agent’s authority is broad, but it can be limited by the principal. For example, an agent has the authority to make decisions about life sustaining treatment unless the principal specifically limits that authority in the documents.
For assistance contact attorneys Steven J. Schwartz, Timothy P. Mulhern, Ann I. Weber, Carol Cioe Klyman, Michele J. Feinstein, Gary S. Fentin or David K. Webber.