Does anyone know about medical power of attorneys?

Thanks Pam, I am going to ask the heart dr for a letter. When we see him next time, I will bring it up. That is a great idea.

Thank you, I will check out the legal and money tab on this site.

I don't know, the last time I called the paramedics he evidently had a problem with his heart beat being so slow that the defibrillator kicked in and when I found him he was non responsive, but still said "no" to the paramedics. Luckily, the dr appt. the next day took care of that and I guess he didn't need to go to the hospital. My issue is that the POA or the MPOA has no power if the patient needs help and they refuse! I realize the patient needs some "say so" but..... I am a caregiver and this makes me feel powerless! I'll just do the best I can, I guess.

His NO is still valid until you have a letter from his doctor stating that he is mentally incompetent. Will the MD give you a letter?

The POA doesn't do any good when the paramedics tell him they are taking him to the hospital and he says, "no", then by law it is illegal to take him. So, he is able to sign his own name, but I got a medical power of attorney to make medical decisions for him and his son's name is on it in case I can't. I was just wondering if it is more powerful than his "no" . A person may really need to go to the hospital and say "no" they don't want to go, and what power will get them to the hospital anyway?

Yes give a copy to insurance and one to the bank and the doctor. Any time you sign for him, write POA after you sign your own name.

Fanci, check the legal and money tab on this site. It will explain a lot of what you should have in place and what each document governs. I've learned a lot and I think that is a good start.

Yes, I have a POA, I have it with me all the time. I am going to make a few copies of it. maybe 3. Insurance things wanting me to fax a copyof it to them. No problem.

Fanci, you said you had a POA, and you were going to get the Health Care Proxy at the doctor's office. That should be all you need. What went wrong?

What do you mean by "it's coming soon"? I' m confused!

There are times you need a medical power of attorney when a power of attorney is not enough. You need authority to make medical decisions that a POA doesn't give you that power.

Fanci, I thought you already had a POA? What happened to it?