Free Iowa Medical Power of Attorney Forms

Iowa Medical Power of Attorney Laws

• Iowa Code Chapter 144B: Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare - the law provides rules on the creation and implementation of the healthcare or medical POA. It states, “A durable power of attorney for healthcare authorizes the attorney-in-fact to make healthcare decisions for the principal if the durable power of attorney for healthcare substantially complies with the requirements of this chapter” (IA Code § 144B).
• Iowa Code Chapter 144B.3 - this section enumerates the requirements for signing and implementing this type of POA. It states that the principal must be at least 18 years old to execute the POA (IA Code § 144B.3).

Signing Requirements in Iowa

A principal must sign the medical POA in Iowa in front of at least two witnesses and a notary public. According to the law, “At least one of the witnesses for a durable power of attorney for healthcare shall be an individual who is not a relative of the principal by blood, marriage, or adoption within the third degree of consanguinity” (IA Code § 144B.3).

How To Write a Medical POA in Iowa

A medical POA is crucial. In case the principal becomes mentally incompetent, and there is no document in place, medical treatment may be delayed. With a medical POA, you can ensure that someone will continue to manage your healthcare for you. Here are the steps in writing a medical POA in Iowa:

1. Pick an agent

An agent acts on behalf of the principal, deciding on medications, treatments, and procedures. The agent will also decide on nutrition, residence, and even end-of-life decisions. The authority starts when the document is signed and will continue even when the principal becomes incapacitated.

Based on these responsibilities, choosing an agent is crucial. It has to be someone you can implicitly trust with your life. The most common choice is a family member, such as a spouse, sibling, or child. It could also be a close relative.

For some, it may be better to choose someone who isn’t related because the task can be an emotional one, especially when it entails withdrawing life support.

2. Discuss the responsibilities with the chosen agent

Even when the agent makes decisions for you when the time comes when you cannot decide for yourself, the decisions they make should still be based on your wishes.

As soon as you have chosen an agent, make sure to talk to them about what you want from your medical treatment as well as your healthcare plan. It is also a good time to talk about possible end-of-life care.

Most healthcare proxies or agents don’t get compensation, especially when they are related to the principal by blood. However, it is still worth mentioning during the discussion. It is the right of an agent to be compensated for doing their duties and to be reimbursed for food, travel, and other costs incurred when carrying out their responsibilities.

3. Download the Iowa Medical Power of Attorney Template

Download a printable template of the Iowa Medical POA for your convenience. Make sure the form and format are accepted in the state. Fill out the form with your personal details and that of the agent.

4. Sign the document

Sign the Iowa Medical POA and make sure to put the date on it. For the document to be legal in Iowa, you have to sign it in front of a notary public and at least two witnesses. The principal’s healthcare provider or any employee of the provider cannot be a witness. The witness must not be the agent and be at least 18 years old.

5. Use the POA

Once signed, the agent can start making medical decisions for you. They need to bring a copy of the Iowa Medical POA every time they make healthcare arrangements on your behalf, as the document provides proof of their written permission.