(513) 916-1600Secure Your Future with Essential Health Care Documents
No matter your age, marital status, or parental situation, certain crucial documents should always be part of your estate plan. Health Care Documents play a vital role in safeguarding your best interests. At Krugler Law, our experienced estate planning team can assist you in drafting these essential legal documents, ensuring your financial and medical care preferences are protected.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
With a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, you can designate someone you trust to make critical decisions about your medical care if you become incapacitated. Your chosen agent will be bound by the instructions you’ve outlined in the document, including choices regarding managed care and life support. Having this document in place is vital to ensure your wishes are followed during incapacitation.
What if You Lack a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?
In the event that you become incapacitated without a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, the following individuals, in order of priority, may make decisions about your care:
Your court-appointed guardian or conservator
- Your spouse or domestic partner
- Your adult child
- Your adult sibling
- Your nearest living relative
Decisions Your Agent Can Make
Your appointed agent can make important decisions on your behalf, such as:
- Admittance or discharge from a hospital or nursing home
- Medications and treatments you receive
- Access to your medical records
- Life-sustaining decisions
Your agent is authorized to act only when you are unable to do so, and they must follow the instructions outlined in the power of attorney document.
Changing Your Agent
You have the option to change your designated agent. Consult an estate planning attorney to create a new Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare with the updated name. Remember to destroy the previous document and inform the previous agent of the change.
Living Will
A Living Will, sometimes referred to as an “advance directive,” is a legal document that communicates your desires about medical treatment should you become incapacitated or unable to express informed consent. This document typically addresses specific medical scenarios such as life-prolonging measures, pain management, and organ donation. It can also outline your preferences for end-of-life care, ensuring you receive only the treatments you desire.
Include a HIPAA Release
Your estate plan should include a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) release. This allows designated individuals to discuss your medical situation with treating doctors, as HIPAA typically prevents the sharing of medical information with anyone other than the patient.
Consult an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney Today
It’s never too late to create an estate plan unless incapacity has already occurred. To protect your wishes and preferences, create an estate plan that encompasses essential Health Care documents like a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, a Living Will, a DNR, and a HIPAA Release. Contact Krugler Law today to schedule a consultation with our experienced estate planning team today. Secure your future with a comprehensive estate plan tailored to your needs.
