durable health care power of attorney

A durable health care power of attorney (HCPOA) (sometimes referred to as health care proxy, advanced medical directive or medical power of attorney) is a legal document that you sign giving a named individual(s) the ability to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make them for yourself. It should be created and signed while you are in good mental health and include the word “durable” to indicate that the assigned power continues even if you become mentally incapacitated. All POA’s expire at named individual’s death.