Most people don’t think about how their lives will end. Many imagine peaceful scenarios where they are happy and cared for until they die.Tragedy can strike anytime and anywhere. Individuals might end up unable to communicate about their medical preferences. They could not decide how they wanted their final hours or days to be. It’s also terrible for their families who are at a loss on what to do.Making healthcare decisions is already daunting. It’s more challenging during times of illness or incapacity. A Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) can help ease this burden. It’s vital to ensure medical personnel honor a person’s healthcare choices.
What is Medical Power of Attorney?
A Medical Power of Attorney is a crucial legal document or advance directive. It allows patients to appoint a trusted person to make healthcare decisions for them. This document is also known as a durable power of attorney for healthcare. A medical lawyer can help draft this agreement.The person appointed to handle the MPOA is an “agent” or “healthcare proxy.” He or she will have the authority to decide about the patient’s medical treatment. They will base their decisions on the patient’s wishes, values, and best interests.An MPOA comes into play if the patient is unable to make decisions for themselves. Let’s say a person is already incapacitated. Their medical team will ask the healthcare proxy to make medical decisions for them.
Reasons to Have a Medical Power of Attorney
Life is unpredictable, and medical emergencies can happen at any time. That’s why having a Living Will or a Medical Power of Attorney is crucial. It ensures people will have someone who will advocate for them.It’s a sad fact that only a small percentage of the population has an Advanced Directive or MPOA. Studies show that 33.4% have designated a healthcare proxy despite its importance. The following reasons explain why it’s crucial to have an MPOA:
It Ensures One’s Wishes Are Always Respected
An MPOA ensures a person’s healthcare preferences are always honored. The proxy or medical lawyer can communicate the patient’s specific wishes. They can also enforce choices about life-sustaining treatments or pain management. They can also opt for medical interventions on behalf of the patient.
It Helps Give Clarity in Emergencies
Time is crucial when it comes to medical emergencies. Someone has to make the hard decisions and do it fast. An MPOA provides clear instructions to healthcare providers about who can make decisions. This reduces confusion and lessens delays in a person’s care.
MPOA Reduces Family Stress and Conflict
It’s far too common to see family members fall apart during a medical emergency. They often struggle to reach a consensus during a crisis. This leads to conflicts and more emotional stress. An MPOA designates a single, trusted proxy. This simplifies the decision-making process. It also helps prevent disagreements among loved ones.
It Ensures Continuous Care
An MPOA ensures a person’s medical care continues even if they are already incapacitated. Or if they’re incapable of making decisions for an extended period. The healthcare proxy can make decisions that align with the patient’s wishes. It’s more effective and efficient than having various people make decisions.
It Safeguards a Patient’s Autonomy
An MPOA helps protect the patient’s autonomy. The proxy will make decisions based on the patient’s values and beliefs. This is especially important for those with strong preferences for certain medical treatments. For example, a terminal patient might decide not to undergo any more treatments.
It Provides Much Needed Peace of Mind
Knowing they have a plan in place for their medical care can give an individual peace of mind. It also helps make things easier for their loved ones. An MPOA helps reduce anxiety about the future. It allows the patient to focus on their health and well-being. They don’t have to worry about what might happen if they become unable to make decisions.
