Free Michigan Medical Power of Attorney Forms
A person battling a terminal illness may need another person to make decisions on their behalf. These decisions may range from choosing medications, agreeing or disagreeing on surgery, and other healthcare matters. A medical power of attorney (POA) empowers an individual, known as an agent, to make those decisions on behalf of the patient, who is legally known as the principal.
Michigan Medical Power of Attorney Laws
The 2019 Michigan Compiled Laws Chapter 700, also known as the Estates and Protected Individuals Code Act 386 of 1998, Estates and Protected Individuals Code, is relevant for medical POAs. The following sections guide their creation and execution:
- **§ 700.5506 **- This section indicates who can be designated as a patient advocate. A person who is at least 18 years old can choose another individual of legal age to communicate their healthcare needs on their behalf.
- § 700.5515 - The section states the revocation of patient advocate designation. The patient advocate may make decisions for the mental health treatment of the principal but only when mental health experts attest, in writing, that the principal has become mentally incompetent.
Signing Requirements in Michigan
Every state has different signing requirements. In Michigan, one needs an official template that follows the state standards for a POA. The principal and agent must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind when they sign the POA form. Further, they must sign in the presence of two people who can act as witnesses, neither of whom should be the agent.
How To Write a Medical POA in Michigan
An agent may be necessary so that healthcare decisions can be made for the principal, especially when the latter is sick. A POA will ensure that medical procedures and other healthcare measures will not be stopped because the principal has become incapacitated.
1. Talk to Your Chosen Agent
The agent acts as your proxy in making healthcare decisions. While you are still of sound mind, they will easily convey your decisions to healthcare providers. What happens when you become incapacitated? That’s when the real work of the agent begins.
The agent doesn’t just make decisions on your behalf, they also ensure that your wishes are followed. That’s why it is vital that you trust your agent. They can be your spouse, sibling, children, or any close friend or relative.
The first step to creating a medical POA is to talk to your prospective agent about their responsibilities. It’s not an easy task, but they are usually compensated for it, even if they’re family or someone you care about. You may also identify successor agents who can make decisions if the primary agent is unavailable or unable to perform their duties.
2. Download a Printable Medical Power of Attorney in Michigan
For convenience, download a template for a Michigan medical POA and print it out. The template follows Michigan standards, so you can ensure your POA is valid in the state.
Personalize the template by writing down your healthcare wishes, from medications to surgeries and preferred residence. You may also write down your end-of-life wishes for the agent to follow.
The permission you grant your agent through the POA can be as specific or broad as you want. You can limit authority to deciding on a single surgery or end-of-life residence. Or you can ensure that the agent will have free rein over healthcare decisions.
3. Sign the Michigan Medical Power of Attorney
To make it official, you and the agent must sign the Michigan medical POA in front of two witnesses who can attest that both parties were of sound mind when they signed. The agent cannot act as a witness.
4. Use the Form
The POA is now usable. The agent must present it whenever they make medical-related decisions for the principal. Most medical staffers would ask for the signed copy of the form before proceeding with any of the agent’s medical requests on behalf of the principal.