In addition to the designation of an agent, these directives often provide an opportunity to give specific directions similar to those allowed in a Living Will. However, a Health Care Power of Attorney is different from a Living Will because it is generally broader. A Living Will covers only end-of-life decision making (like what happens if the principal is in a coma). In contrast, a Health Care Power of Attorney gives the agent the ability to make all health care decisions on the principal’s behalf.
Note that Health Care Power of Attorney documents are “durable” because they continue to be effective even if you become mentally incompetent.
To create a Living Will, Health Care Power of Attorney, or Advance Health Care Directive (which is a combination of both a Living Will and Health Care POA) use the Rocket Lawyer Living Willinterview. The questions you answer will determine which kind of document you need, and will be generated for you automatically.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
