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My mother is in the hospital. They are asking me to sign a health care directive.

My mother is in the hospital. They are asking me to sign a health care directive.

Q: What happens if no one has medical power of attorney?

If no one has medical power of attorney, medical decisions may be made by the healthcare providers based on the patient's wishes, if known. If those wishes are not clear, the hospital may consult family members or seek a court-appointed guardian to make decisions on behalf of the patient.

Q: How do I get a medical power of attorney without consent?

You cannot obtain a medical power of attorney without the consent of the person you wish to represent. The individual must willingly sign the document to grant you authority to make medical decisions on their behalf.

Q: How do I obtain a medical power of attorney?

To obtain a medical power of attorney, you need to discuss this with the person you wish to represent. They must complete a medical power of attorney form, which typically requires their signature and may need to be witnessed or notarized, depending on state laws.

Q: Can a medical power of attorney override a DNR?

A medical power of attorney can provide authority to make medical decisions, but it does not automatically override a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. The DNR reflects the patient's wishes, and any decisions made by the agent must align with those wishes.

Q: Can a hospital override power of attorney?

A hospital cannot override a valid power of attorney. However, if there are concerns about the patient's best interests or if the agent is not acting in accordance with the patient's wishes, the hospital may seek legal advice or intervention.

Full question:

My mother is in the hospital. They are asking me if I have a power of attorney from her. I do not. They (the Doctors) want me to have her sign one so they will know to resuscitate her or not, and to put her on a ventilator or not?

Category: Healthcare
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Florida

Answer:

They could be asking for a Living Will or health care directive, something that would be signed by her. Or they want a Medical Power of Attorney or POA that includes medical matters so you can make the decision. It is up to you and her whether to sign any of these.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can someone make you power of attorney without your consent?

No, a person cannot be made a power of attorney without their consent. The individual must voluntarily agree to take on this responsibility and sign the necessary documents. If someone is trying to impose this role on you without your agreement, it is not legally valid.