What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?
This is an important legal document that expresses wishes about your health
care and appoints someone to speak for you if you become seriously ill or
injured and cannot speak for yourself. The document that you sign, naming
this person and your wishes about health care, becomes part of your medical
record once it is signed and witnessed. You are not required to sign such
a document, nor do you need a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
to receive medical treatment at Botsford General Hospital. You do not need
a lawyer to fill out a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. But, if
you should have an attorney, he or she should have a copy of the document.
Copies of your Durable Power of Attorney are legal documents.
Why do you need a Durable Power Of Attorney for Health Care?
Under the new Michigan law, it is your right to name someone to speak for
you about your medical
treatment in case you are unable to speak for yourself. A Durable Power
of Attorney for Health Care document can protect your right to refuse medical
care in specified circumstances.
Such a legal document can help you protect your right to make medical choices
that influence your life and the lives of your loved ones. It can protect
your family from the stress and responsibility of having to make difficult
choices about your medical care. It can even help your physician by providing
specific guidelines for your care.
If you would like more information about establishing a Durable Power of
Attorney
for Health Care, talk to your physician, attorney, or other appropriate
person. If you would like a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care form,
please call the Botsford General Hospital Community Relations Department
at (810) 442-7986.
