WHO WILL TALK TO MY DOCTORS AND HELP ME
UNDERSTAND MY HEALTH CARE OPTIONS IF I AM INCAPACITATED?

Consider what would happen if you were suddenly incapacitated by an injury or illness. If you were in the hospital and unable to take care of your every-day affairs you would need someone to speak to your doctor and help you understand your health care choices and decisions.

Health Care Power of Attorney. This person has the power to make decisions regarding your medical care, give consent to your treatment and give instructions to your doctors and medical providers. The person with this power will speak for you if your medical condition is so severe that you cannot speak for yourself.

You want to select someone who shares your philosophy regarding medical care. This person should also be able to understand and communicate with medical personnel without being overwhelmed. Your Power of Attorney should also be able to communicate well with your family and the other important people in your life who are not directly involved in these conversations and decisions.

HIPAA Representative. Federal law makes your medical information very private. This covers not only the written documents in your medical chart, but it can affect conversations and other interactions with your doctors, nurses and other medical staff. If you want family members to have open access to your medical records and free communication with doctors and medical providers, you must name them on a HIPAA Waiver so that they are clearly designated as people with full access.

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