Special Power of Attorney for Healthcare

A Special Power of Attorney is a written statement that gives legal authority to another person to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot make your own decisions due to an illness or injury. This person is called a “health care proxy.” You can identify the person you want to make your healthcare decisions by using a Special Power of Attorney form. The form must be signed before a notary public.

You should think about the following when choosing who will make your healthcare decisions when you cannot: (1) choose someone who knows you well, cares about you, and can make difficult decisions; (2) choose someone who will stand up for you; (3) choose someone who is physically close enough to act on your behalf. The person you use does not have to be related to you. Finally, you should discuss what you want with your chosen proxy and be sure that he or she is willing to respect and follow your wishes. More than one person can be appointed to make healthcare decisions, but the Special Power of Attorney form should rank the proxies so that healthcare providers know which single person is responsible for decisionmaking. The best approach is to appoint one proxy and if that person is unable or unwilling to serve, appoint an alternate proxy.

Click here for the special power of attorney for healthcare form

The above information is courtesy of the Partnership to Improve End-of-Life Care in Utah