What is a POA medical abbreviation? It stands for Power of Attorney for Healthcare. A POA medical designation gives someone you trust the authority to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot do so yourself. There are different types of POAs, and each has its own set of benefits if you become incapacitated. Let’s explore the different types of POAs and how they can help you in emergencies.

What is a POA Medical Abbreviation?

A POA medical abbreviation is an acronym that stands for Power of Attorney for Healthcare. A POA designation gives someone you trust the authority to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot do so yourself.

There are different types of POAs. Each has its own set of benefits if you become incapacitated. 

What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare?

A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (DPOA-HC) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so yourself. The person who you designate as your DPOA-HC is known as your “agent.”

Your agent has the authority to make decisions about your medical care, including:

  • Treatment decisions such as surgery
  • Medications
  • Other health-related matters such as procedures

Notably, a DPOA-HC remains in effect even if you become incapacitated or unable to communicate your healthcare wishes.

How Does a DPOA-HC Help You in Emergencies?

There are many ways that a DPOA-HC can help you in an emergency. First, if you are unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate your healthcare wishes, your agent will be able to make decisions on your behalf based on your prior instructions. The DPOA-HC can help ensure that you receive the care you want and avoid unwanted procedures.

Second, in a situation where you need immediate medical care but cannot communicate your wishes, your agent can provide information about your medical history and preferences to healthcare providers. Your agent can also help ensure that you receive the most appropriate care possible.

Finally, if you spend time in the hospital, your agent can make decisions about your discharge and follow-up care. Having a POA can help ensure that you receive the care and support you need after leaving the hospital.

What is a Limited Power of Attorney for Healthcare?

A Limited Power of Attorney for Healthcare (LPOA-HC) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf for a specific period of time or for a particular purpose. Unlike a DPOA-HC, an LPOA-HC expires when the specified time period ends or after the completion of the particular purpose. 

How Does an LPOA-HC Help You in Emergencies?

An LPOA-HC can help you in emergencies by allowing you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf for a specific period of time. An LPOA-HC can help if you cannot communicate your healthcare wishes due to a temporary condition, such as anesthesia after surgery.

Because an LPOA-HC expires after the specified time period ends, it is essential to note that you should only use this type of POA if you are confident that you will be able to communicate your healthcare wishes in the future.

Choosing the Best POA for Your Needs in North Carolina

The best POA for your needs in North Carolina will depend on your specific situation and preferences. If you want someone to be able to make decisions on your behalf, even if you are unable to communicate your wishes, then a DPOA-HC is likely the best option for you.

If you only need someone to make decisions on your behalf for a specific period of time or for a particular purpose, then an LPOA-HC may be the better option.

You should also consider whether you want to appoint one person or multiple people as your agent. Selecting multiple agents can provide additional flexibility and support in emergencies.

It’s important to talk with an experienced healthcare attorney before choosing a POA medical abbreviation in North Carolina. An attorney can help you understand the different types of POAs and choose the best option for your needs.

What if I Have Advance Directives? Can My POA Override My Wishes?

Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to express your healthcare wishes in advance of a medical emergency. 

Advance directives can include many different medical desires, including 

  • Living Will: Sets forth your preferences for end-of-life care. May also include a Declaration of a Desire for a Natural Death stating that you don’t wish to prolong your life by extraordinary measures. This is common f you have a terminal or incurable illness or if you are in a vegetative state.
  • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order: instructs medical providers not to provide CPR if you stop breathing or your heart stops beating.
  • Advance Instruction for Mental Health: Sets forth your mental health treatment preferences. Authorizes a mental health treatment provider to act on your wishes. It may also outline your consent or refusal of mental health treatment.

In North Carolina, advance directives take precedence over POAs. So, even if you appointed an agent under a DPOA-HC or LPOA-HC, your advance directive will override your POA in a conflict. 

For example, if you have appointed an agent under a DPOA-HC and you also have a DNR order in place, your agent cannot override your DNR order.

It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider and an experienced attorney about your advance directives to accurately reflect your wishes.

Get Started Protecting Your Medical Rights

Making a POA is an essential step in protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the care you want in a medical emergency. Be sure to choose the best POA for your needs and keep it up-to-date so that it accurately reflects your current wishes.

We Can Help

At Cape Fear Law, our estate planning attorneys can help you prepare for the unexpected. Whether you need a DPOA-HC or LPOA-HC, our experience and knowledge can help ensure that your agent has the authority they need to help you. Ensuring you have the best person to make decisions on your behalf is our focus. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help.