Ensure Your Medical Wishes Are Honored with a Health Care Power of Attorney
Life is unpredictable. While we all hope to remain in control of our health decisions, there may come a time when we are unable to speak for ourselves due to illness, injury, or incapacity. A Health Care Power of Attorney ensures that someone you trust can make critical medical decisions on your behalf when you cannot.
At Jeffrey Orr Law, PC, we help individuals and families put the right protections in place so their medical care reflects their values, wishes, and best interests.
What Is a Health Care Power of Attorney?
A Health Care Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone—referred to as your “agent” or “health care proxy”—to make health care decisions for you if you become unable to do so. This document gives your agent the authority to:
- Speak with your doctors and other medical professionals
- Make decisions about treatments, surgeries, and medications
- Consent to or refuse medical procedures
- Access your medical records
- Choose healthcare facilities or living arrangements
- Carry out your end-of-life wishes
A Health Care Power of Attorney is an essential part of any complete estate plan and helps ensure that your personal beliefs and healthcare preferences are respected.
Why Is a Health Care Power of Attorney Important?
Without a Health Care Power of Attorney, your loved ones may face confusion, delays, and even legal disputes when urgent medical decisions need to be made. In the absence of clear legal authority, healthcare providers may be unable—or unwilling—to accept instructions from your family.
By designating a health care agent in advance, you:
- Maintain control over who makes decisions on your behalf
- Avoid unwanted treatments or procedures
- Prevent family disagreements during stressful times
- Ensure your religious, ethical, and personal values are respected
- Give your loved ones peace of mind knowing your wishes are clear
Choosing the Right Health Care Agent
Selecting a health care agent is a deeply personal decision. Ideally, your agent should be someone who:
- Knows and respects your health care preferences
- Can handle stressful situations calmly
- Will advocate for your wishes, even if others disagree
- Understands your values and communication style
It’s also wise to appoint a backup agent in case your primary choice is unavailable when needed.
How Jeffrey Orr Law, PC Can Help
At Jeffrey Orr Law, we understand the sensitive nature of planning for medical emergencies and end-of-life care. We work closely with you to create a Health Care Power of Attorney that is legally sound, customized to your wishes, and fully compliant with California law.
We can also help you coordinate your Health Care Power of Attorney with other important documents, such as an Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will), HIPAA releases, and your broader estate plan.
Taking this step today can make a world of difference for you and your family tomorrow.
Start the Conversation Today
Don’t leave critical healthcare decisions to chance. Let Jeffrey Orr Law, PC help you put a clear, thoughtful plan in place.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how to protect your health care wishes.