As POA, if I have to sign mom into hospital, will I be legally responsible for her bill?

When my mother entered the nursing home I signed a piece of paper (given to me by the nursing home) stating that I am NOT financially responsible for her bills. I would bet that the same applies here.

No. You are signing "in place" of your mother. That is all you are doing. A signature does not entail ownership, unless you did something illegal, immoral or dangerous to her. Even though she can "sign" her name at this time, does not make it legal. She has to be "competent" to sign a document and fully understand it. Medicare and other insurances will usually pay for in-hospital stay, but don't worry about it until or IF it happens. Just enjoy her for the time she has left. Best wishes.

I live in NE and am my mothers POA. It was explained to me that I sign my mothers name, then mine, and POA after it. That way, mom is responsible and not myself. But I will be sure to read the fine print from now on also!

How do you find a "Reputable Elder Care Lawyer" My daughter , who is a lawyer in another state researched the lawyers for me and found me one, Only thing was he was a rip off artist. He charged me $1000 for a new will when I already had a legal will in another state. Another lawyer told me that was not necessary and he only did it to get the $1000. We were at her office to write a POA and HPOA for my brother in law. She was so reasonable and helpful, although she was not an "Elder Care Lawyer." I am afraid to go back to the first lawyer because of his deceitful practices.

If she has dementia, even if she is physically able to write her signature, she is not legally competent to make the decision to enter a hospital. You would only be required to pay the bills out of her funds.