If you become incapacitated in Texas and haven’t signed a Medical Power of Attorney, state law determines who can make medical decisions on your behalf. The law is rigid, and the person legally authorized to make decisions may not be someone you would have chosen to act on your behalf. In this article, learn what […]
Who Makes Medical Decisions if there is no Health Care Power of Attorney in North Carolina?
If you become incapacitated and do not have a Health Care Power of Attorney, the North Carolina General Statutes determine who can make medical decisions on your behalf. The law follows a strict hierarchy, which may not align with your personal preferences. Without proper planning, someone you would not have chosen could be making critical […]
Free Medical Power of Attorney for Texas’ Heroes
Every day, I am moved by stories of courageous Texans risking their lives to protect and care for the most vulnerable among us. The heroes of the pandemic are not only medical first responders, but also the essential workers who clean our buildings; work in warehouses and grocery stores; deliver mail, packages and groceries; keep […]
Does My Texas Medical Power Of Attorney Need To Be Notarized?
Many people have medical powers of attorney that they have signed in the presence of two witnesses. They become concerned that their power of attorney is not valid because it has not been signed in the presence of a notary. “Does my Texas medical power of attorney need to be notarized?” they ask. A Texas […]
Do I Have to Name My Children as Medical Power of Attorney?
She had two adult children, but her niece was more like a daughter to her. Her niece was also a nurse, who she believed would be better suited to make medical decisions on her behalf. “Can I appoint appoint her instead of my children?” she asked. If you have not executed a Medical Power of […]
Can a Minor Child Witness a Medical Power of Attorney?
“My mom has a power of attorney that was witnessed by someone under 18,” she said. “Is it valid?” The Texas statutes specify that a medical power of attorney must be signed by the principal in the presence of two witnesses who qualify under Section 166.003, who must also sign the document. Section 166.003 provides […]
Why Doctors Choose to Die Differently
An article written by Dr. Jacquelyn Corley on CNN titled “Why Doctor’s Choose to Die Differently” explains why doctors are less likely to demand aggressive end-of-life care than the general public. In the article, Dr. Corley shares a story of a patient who had suffered a massive hypertensive hemorrhage. Within two days, tests revealed that […]
Storing Your Health Care Directives: There’s an App for That!
I have written before about the importance of having health care directives. These documents allow you to appoint a trusted family member or friend to make medical decisions for you when you are incapacitated. Having paper copies of these documents works really well if you know you’re going to be hospitalized. You can just take them […]
Can I Sign a Medical Power of Attorney for Someone Else?
I got a phone call from a man last week seeking information on how to revoke a Medical Power of Attorney. After talking to him for a few minutes, I became confused. The man started the conversation saying that his father had signed the Medical Power of Attorney several years ago. His father now wanted […]
Will My End-of-Life Wishes Be Honored if I am Pregnant?
Erick Munoz’s nightmare began on November 26 when he found his wife, who was 14 weeks pregnant, lying unconscious on their kitchen. Although she was rushed to the hospital, it was too late. Doctors at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas told the family Marlise Munoz was brain dead. Marlise, a paramedic, didn’t […]