Free Idaho Medical Power of Attorney Forms
Every person has the right to prepare a healthcare plan for themselves that can be implemented even when they are incapacitated. Idaho laws accommodate this right by giving individuals the opportunity to create a medical power of attorney (POA).
In a POA, the person who initiates the document and grants the authority is known as the principal, while the person given the authority is the agent or healthcare proxy. Once the document is enforced, the agent can make healthcare decisions on behalf of the principal.
Idaho Medical Power of Attorney Laws
Idaho Statutes Title 39: Health and Safety, Chapter 45: The Medical Consent and Natural Death Act - This statute provides guidelines that principals can use when creating a medical POA for themselves. A medical POA is officially called the Advance Care Planning Document in Idaho.
The law enumerates the following as necessary but not mandatory pieces of information in the document: “Resuscitation instructions, instructions regarding pregnancy, instructions for the release of information protected by the federal health insurance portability and accountability act, instructions for end-of-life care, and a description of treatment objectives” (ID Code §39-4510).
Signing Requirements in Idaho
In Idaho, the only required signature is that of the principal. The medical POA must be dated, too. However, if the principal chooses, the document may be witnessed by other individuals as long as their names and contact information are reflected in the Advance Care Planning Document, which can be notarized.
How To Write a Medical POA in Idaho
The medical POA serves as the agent’s written permission to decide on various healthcare matters on behalf of the principal. Check out these simple steps in creating a medical POA in Idaho:
1. Pick an Agent or Healthcare Proxy
It cannot be emphasized enough how important the role of an agent or healthcare proxy is when it comes to a medical POA. It can be a matter of life and death, so choose someone you trust completely.
You can choose a family member, spouse, sibling, child, or another blood relative since they usually have your best interests at heart. However, some principals may be wary about choosing a close relative because medical decisions can be difficult to make, especially when it comes to end-of-life care.
2. Discuss the Responsibilities With Your Agent
After choosing your agent or healthcare proxy, find time to sit down with them and share your healthcare plan and wishes. Some crucial topics include resuscitation instructions and end-of-life care. You must be upfront with your wishes so the agent can implement them in case the time comes when you become mentally incompetent.
The agent will also be responsible for establishing medication and treatment plans and determining the need for surgeries and other procedures. Other responsibilities include approving diet and nutrition plans and end-of-life residences.
Include compensation in the discussion. Most healthcare proxies, especially if they are family members, don’t accept compensation. But it must be mentioned since it is their right to be compensated for their duties. They can also receive refunds for expenses incurred while doing their tasks as agents.
3. Download Idaho POA Template and Sign
You may seek out an Idaho law firm to create the medical POA for you, but you can save money by downloading a printable template that you can customize. Fill out the important details in the form, such as your name, birth date, mailing address, and phone number. You should also include your preferences and instructions regarding various healthcare matters
The document will also need the name of your agent (or agents since you can name more than one). Include their birth date, mailing address, and phone number. Sign the medical POA in Idaho, and don’t forget to enter the date.
4. Use the Idaho Medical Power of Attorney
Once the document is complete, secure a copy for yourself and your agent. Your healthcare proxy will have to present the document every time they make medical decisions on your behalf.
The document acts as their power to make healthcare arrangements for you. Physicians and medical personnel will ask for the POA before proceeding with treatment. Nursing home staff will also ask for the document before admission.