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Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions

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DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE DECISIONS

WARNING TO PERSON EXECUTING THIS DOCUMENT THIS IS AN IMPORTANT LEGAL DOCUMENT. IT CREATES A DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE. BEFORE EXECUTING THIS DOCUMENT, YOU SHOULD KNOW THESE IMPORTANT FACTS:

1. THIS DOCUMENT GIVES THE PERSON YOU DESIGNATE AS YOUR AGENT THE POWER TO MAKE HEALTH CARE DECISIONS FOR YOU. THIS POWER IS SUBJECT TO ANY LIMITATIONS OR STATEMENT OF YOUR DESIRES THAT YOU INCLUDE IN THIS DOCUMENT. THE POWER TO MAKE HEALTH CARE DECISIONS FOR YOU MAY INCLUDE CONSENT, REFUSAL OF CONSENT OR WITHDRAWAL OF CONSENT TO ANY CARE, TREATMENT, SERVICE OR PROCEDURE TO MAINTAIN, DIAGNOSE OR TREAT A PHYSICAL OR MENTAL CONDITION. YOU MAY STATE IN THIS DOCUMENT ANY TYPES OF TREATMENT OR PLACEMENTS THAT YOU DO NOT DESIRE.

2. THE PERSON YOU DESIGNATE IN THIS DOCUMENT HAS A DUTY TO ACT CONSISTENT WITH YOUR DESIRES AS STATED IN THIS DOCUMENT OR OTHERWISE MADE KNOWN OR, IF YOUR DESIRES ARE UNKNOWN, TO ACT IN YOUR BEST INTERESTS.

3. EXCEPT AS YOU OTHERWISE SPECIFY IN THIS DOCUMENT, THE POWER OF THE PERSON YOU DESIGNATE TO MAKE HEALTH CARE DECISIONS FOR YOU MAY INCLUDE THE POWER TO CONSENT TO YOUR DOCTOR NOT GIVING TREATMENT OR STOPPING TREATMENT WHICH WOULD KEEP YOU ALIVE.

4. UNLESS YOU SPECIFY A SHORTER PERIOD IN THIS DOCUMENT, THIS POWER WILL EXIST INDEFINITELY FROM THE DATE YOU EXECUTE THIS DOCUMENT AND, IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO MAKE HEALTH CARE DECISIONS FOR YOURSELF, THIS POWER WILL CONTINUE TO EXIST UNTIL THE TIME WHEN YOU BECOME ABLE TO MAKE HEALTH CARE DECISIONS FOR YOURSELF.

5. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS DOCUMENT, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE MEDICAL AND OTHER HEALTH CARE DECISIONS FOR YOURSELF SO LONG AS YOU CAN GIVE INFORMED CONSENT WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTICULAR DECISION. IN ADDITION, NO TREATMENT MAY BE GIVEN TO YOU OVER YOUR OBJECTION, AND HEALTH CARE NECESSARY TO KEEP YOU ALIVE MAY NOT BE STOPPED IF YOU OBJECT.

6. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REVOKE THE APPOINTMENT OF THE PERSON DESIGNATED IN THIS DOCUMENT TO MAKE HEALTH CARE DECISIONS FOR YOU BY NOTIFYING THAT PERSON OF THE REVOCATION ORALLY OR IN WRITING.

7. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REVOKE THE AUTHORITY GRANTED TO THE PERSON DESIGNATED IN THIS DOCUMENT TO MAKE HEALTH CARE DECISIONS FOR YOU BY NOTIFYING THE TREATING PHYSICIAN, HOSPITAL OR OTHER PROVIDER OF HEALTH CARE ORALLY OR IN WRITING.

8. THE PERSON DESIGNATED IN THIS DOCUMENT TO MAKE HEALTH CARE DECISIONS FOR YOU HAS THE RIGHT TO EXAMINE YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS AND TO CONSENT TO THEIR DISCLOSURE UNLESS YOU LIMIT THIS RIGHT IN THIS DOCUMENT.

9. THIS DOCUMENT REVOKES ANY PRIOR DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE.

10. IF THERE IS ANYTHING IN THIS DOCUMENT THAT YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND, YOU SHOULD ASK A LAWYER TO EXPLAIN IT TO YOU.

1. DESIGNATION OF HEALTH CARE AGENT.

I, do hereby designate and appoint:

Name:

Address:

Telephone Number:

as my agent to make health care decisions for me as authorized in this document.

(Insert the name and address of the person you wish to designate as your agent to make health care decisions for you. Unless the person is also your spouse, legal guardian or the person most closely related to you by blood, none of the following may be designated as your agent: (1) your treating provider of health care; (2) an employee of your treating provider of health care; (3) an operator of a health care facility; or (4) an employee of an operator of a health care facility.)

2. CREATION OF DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE.

By this document I intend to create a durable power of attorney by appointing the person designated above to make health care decisions for me. This power of attorney shall not be affected by my subsequent incapacity.

3. GENERAL STATEMENT OF AUTHORITY GRANTED.

In the event that I am incapable of giving informed consent with respect to health care decisions, I hereby grant to the agent named above full power and authority: to make health care decisions for me before or after my death, including consent, refusal of consent or withdrawal of consent to any care, treatment, service or procedure to maintain, diagnose or treat a physical or mental condition; to request, review and receive any information, verbal or written, regarding my physical and mental health, including, without limitation, medical and hospital records; to execute on my behalf any releases or other documents that may be required to obtain medical care and/or medical and hospital records, EXCEPT any power to enter into any arbitration agreements or execute any arbitration clauses in connection with admission to any health care facility including any skilled nursing facility; and subject only to the limitations and special provisions, if any, set forth in paragraph 4 or 6.

4. SPECIAL PROVISIONS AND LIMITATIONS.

(Your agent is not permitted to consent to any of the following: commitment to or placement in a mental health treatment facility, convulsive treatment, psychosurgery, sterilization or abortion. If there are any other types of treatment or placement that you do not want your agent's authority to give consent for or other restrictions you wish to place on his or her agent's authority, you should list them in the space below. If you do not write any limitations, your agent will have the broad powers to make health care decisions on your behalf which are set forth in paragraph 3, except to the extent that there are limits provided by law.)

In exercising the authority under this durable power of attorney for health care, the authority of my agent is subject to the following special provisions and limitations:

5. DURATION.

I understand that this power of attorney will exist indefinitely from the date I execute this document unless I establish a shorter time. If I am unable to make health care decisions for myself when this power of attorney expires, the authority I have granted my agent will continue to exist until the time when I become able to make health care decisions for myself.

(IF APPLICABLE)

I wish to have this power of attorney end on the following date:

6. STATEMENT OF DESIRES.

(With respect to decisions to withhold or withdraw life- sustaining treatment, your agent must make health care decisions that are consistent with your known desires. You can, but are not required to, indicate your desires below. If your desires are unknown, your agent has the duty to act in your best interests; and, under some circumstances, a judicial proceeding may be necessary so that a court can determine the health care decision that is in your best interests. If you wish to indicate your desires, you may INITIAL the statement or statements that reflect your desires and/or write your own statements in the space below.)

(If the statement reflects your desires, initial the box next to the statement.)

1. I desire that my life be prolonged to the greatest extent possible, without regard to my condition, the chances I have for recovery r long-term survival, or the cost of the procedures.

2. If I am in a coma which my doctors have reasonably concluded is irreversible, I desire that life- sustaining or prolonging treatments not be used. (Also should utilize provisions of NRS 449.535 to 449.690, inclusive, if this subparagraph is initialed.)

3. If I have an incurable or terminal condition or illness and no reasonable hope of long-term recovery or survival, I desire that life-sustaining or prolonging treatments not be used. (Also should utilize provisions of NRS 449.535 to 449.690, inclusive, if this subparagraph is initialed.)

4. Withholding or withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration may result in death by starvation or dehydration. I want to receive or continue receiving artificial nutrition and hydration by way of the gastrointestinal tract after all other treatment is withheld.

5. I do not desire treatment to be provided and/or continued if the burdens of the treatment outweigh the expected benefits. My agent is to consider the relief of suffering, the preservation or restoration of functioning, and the quality as well as the extent of the possible extension of my life.

(If you wish to change your answer, you may do so by drawing an "X" through the answer you do not want, and circling the answer you prefer.)

Other or Additional Statements of Desires:

7. DESIGNATION OF ALTERNATE AGENT.

(You are not required to designate any alternative agent but you may do so. Any alternative agent you designate will be able to make the same health care decisions as the agent designated in paragraph 1, page 2, in the event that he or she is unable or unwilling to act as your agent. Also, if the agent designated in paragraph 1 is your spouse, his or her designation as your agent is automatically revoked by law if your marriage is dissolved.)

If the person designated in paragraph 1 as my agent is unable to make health care decisions for me, then I designate the following persons to serve as my agent to make health care decisions for me as authorized in this document, such persons to serve in the order listed below:

A. First Alternative Agent Name:

Address:

Telephone Number:

B. Second Alternative Agent Name:

Address:

Telephone Number:

8. PRIOR DESIGNATIONS REVOKED.

I revoke any prior durable power of attorney for health care.

9. WAIVER OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

If my designated agent is my spouse or is one of my children, then I waive any conflict of interest in carrying out the provisions of this Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care that said spouse or child may have by reason of the fact that he or she may be a beneficiary of my estate.

10. CHALLENGES.

If the legality of any provision of this Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care is questioned by my physician, my agent or a third party, then my agent is authorized to commence an action for declaratory judgment as to the legality of the provision in question. The cost of any such action is to be paid from my estate. This Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care must be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada.

11. NOMINATION OF GUARDIAN.

If, after execution of this Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, incompetency proceedings are initiated either for my estate or my person, I hereby nominate as my guardian or conservator for consideration by the court my agent herein named, in the order named.

12. RELEASE OF INFORMATION.

I agree to, authorize and allow full release of information by any government agency, medical provider, business, creditor or third party who may have information pertaining to my health care, to my agent named herein, pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Public Law 104-191, as amended, and applicable regulations.

(YOU MUST DATE AND SIGN THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY)

I sign my name to this Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care on

(date)

(city)

(state)

(Signature)

(THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY WILL NOT BE VALID FOR MAKING HEALTH CARE DECISIONS UNLESS IT IS EITHER (1) SIGNED BY AT LEAST TWO QUALIFIED WITNESSES WHO ARE PERSONALLY KNOWN TO YOU AND WHO ARE PRESENT WHEN YOU SIGN OR ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR SIGNATURE OR (2) ACKNOWLEDGED BEFORE A NOTARY PUBLIC.)

CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF NOTARY PUBLIC

(You may use acknowledgment before a notary public instead of the statement of witnesses.)

State of Nevada } }ss. County of

On this day of in the year before me,

personally appeared personally known to me (or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the person whose name is subscribed to this instrument, and acknowledged that he or she executed it. I declare under penalty of perjury that the person whose name is ascribed to this instrument appears to be of sound mind and under no duress, fraud or undue influence.

NOTARY SEAL

(Signature of Notary Public)

STATEMENT OF WITNESSES

(You should carefully read and follow this witnessing procedure. This document will not be valid unless you comply with the witnessing procedure. If you elect to use witnesses instead of having this document notarized, you must use two qualified adult witnesses. None of the witness: (1) a person you designate as the agent; (2) a provider of health care; (3) an employee of a provider of health care; (4) the operator of a health care facility; or (5) an employee of an operator of a health care facility. At least one of the witnesses must make the additional declaration set out following the place where the witnesses sign.)

I declare under penalty of perjury that the principal is personally known to me, that the principal signed or acknowledged this durable power of attorney in my presence, that the principal appears to be of sound mind and under no duress, fraud or undue influence, that I am not the person appointed as agent by this document and that I am not a provider of health care, an employee of a provider of health care, the operator of a community care facility or an employee of an operator of a health care facility.

Signature:

Residence Address:

Print Name:

Date:

Signature:

Residence Address:

Print Name:

Date:

(AT LEAST ONE OF THE ABOVE WITNESSES MUST ALSO SIGN THE FOLLOWING DECLARATION.)

I declare under penalty of perjury that I am not related to the principal by blood, marriage or adoption and that to the best of my knowledge, I am not entitled to any part of the estate of the principal upon the death of the principal under a will now existing or by operation of law.

Signature:

Signature:

Names:

Print Name:

Address:

Date:

Print Name:

Address:

Date:

COPIES:

You should retain an executed copy of this document and give one to your agent. The power of attorney should be available so a copy may be given to your providers of health care.

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What the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions Is

A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions is a legal document that appoints an agent to make medical and health-related choices on behalf of a principal if the principal becomes incapacitated. It typically names a primary agent and alternates, specifies the scope of authority for treatment decisions, and can include instructions about life-sustaining treatment, organ donation, and mental health care. Because it is 'durable,' it remains effective once incapacity begins unless the document states otherwise or is lawfully revoked.

Why a Durable Health Care Power of Attorney Matters

A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions ensures that a trusted person can make medical choices consistent with the principal’s preferences when they cannot decide. It reduces uncertainty for family members, helps health providers act quickly, and supports continuity of care while aligning decisions with legal and ethical requirements.

Why a Durable Health Care Power of Attorney Matters

Who Typically Prepares or Signs This Document

Use depends on state rules and the principal’s health context; legal or clinical counsel can confirm form requirements.

  • Adults planning advance care who want a designated medical decision-maker.
  • Family members coordinating care for seniors or people with progressive illnesses.
  • Hospitals and clinics that require a named agent when treating incapacitated patients.

Primary Signers and Their Roles

Principal

The person granting authority. Must be competent when signing and should use their full legal name matching government ID to avoid challenges later.

Agent

The appointed health care decision-maker. The agent should be willing, reachable, and familiar with the principal’s values; alternates should be named in case the primary is unavailable.

Core Components of a Professional Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions

A complete form balances clear delegation language with specific instructions. Organize the document so providers, agents, and third parties can quickly identify authority, scope, and activation conditions.

Principal Identity

Full legal name, date of birth, and residential address to clearly identify who is granting authority and to reduce risk of misidentification in clinical settings.

Agent Details

Name, relationship, contact information, and alternate agents. Provide multiple contact methods and successor agents to ensure decision continuity.

Scope of Authority

Explicit listing of powers (e.g., consent to or refusal of treatment, access to medical records). Use precise language to avoid ambiguity about life-sustaining treatment and palliative care.

Activation Terms

State whether the document is effective immediately or only upon a physician’s determination of incapacity; provide the method for confirming incapacity if delayed activation is chosen.

Special Instructions

Advance directives, religious or moral preferences, organ donation choices, and any limits on specific procedures should be placed in a dedicated section.

Authentication

Signature lines, date, witness acknowledgments, and notary blocks as required by the governing state to ensure enforceability.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions

Follow these steps in order to create a clear, enforceable document and prepare supporting materials for providers and family.

  • 01
    1. Choose an agent: Select and confirm a willing agent and alternates before drafting.
  • 02
    2. Draft the form: Use statutory or provider-recommended language for your state when possible.
  • 03
    3. Sign with required witnesses: Execute before witnesses and/or a notary per state rules.
  • 04
    4. Distribute certified copies: Provide copies to agent, providers, and keep originals secure.

How to Prepare an Online eSigning Workflow for This Document

Configure an electronic workflow to guide signers, capture identity evidence, and preserve an audit trail for legal enforceability.

Field Configuration
Signature Block Require signer signature and date fields; set signer role to 'Principal' or 'Agent'.
Witness Fields Add witness name and signature fields; make them required for document completion.
Notary Block Include notary acknowledgement fields if your state requires notarization.
Authentication Use email + SMS or higher verification for signer attribution depending on legal sensitivity.

Where to File, Send, or Submit the Executed Document

After execution, route certified copies to medical providers, the appointed agent, and any relevant patient portal; recordation is optional in most states but may be required in specific circumstances.

  • Provider/Clinic: Deliver a signed copy to the principal’s primary care provider and current specialists.
  • Agent: Give the agent at least one certified copy and store one original in a secure location.
  • Hospital Records: Provide a copy to the hospital admitting the principal to ensure immediate recognition.
  • County Recorder: Record only if state law or local practice recommends registration; verify local rules before filing.

Consequences of an Incorrect or Invalid Durable Power of Attorney

Invalid Decisions: Agent actions may be voided
Care Delays: Providers can refuse to act without valid authority
Legal Disputes: Family members may contest authority
Financial Exposure: Agent faces liability for improper decisions
Facility Nonacceptance: Hospitals may require court appointment
Revocation Confusion: Poor notice can lead to conflicting documents

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Document

  • Using informal or ambiguous language that leaves key treatment choices open to interpretation.
  • Failing to sign in the presence of the required number of witnesses or a notary, depending on state law.
  • Naming an agent without confirming willingness or availability, leading to unaccepted authority.
  • Not distributing copies to providers and failing to record revocations, causing conflicting instructions during emergencies.

Technical Considerations for eSigning and eSubmission

Use a platform that supports PDF/DOCX, audit trails, and appropriate signer authentication for medical power-of-attorney forms.

  • File Formats: PDF and Word DOCX supported
  • Authentication: Email + SMS or higher verification
  • Integrations: Works with EHRs and cloud storage

Essential Fields and Short Guidance Checklist

Principal Name: Full legal name
Agent Name: Full legal name
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Scope: Treatment authority summary
Witness Info: Names and signatures
Notary Block: Complete if required

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Follow these practices to reduce processing friction, ensure acceptability by health care providers, and minimize future disputes.

Use Clear Statutory Language
Start from your state’s statutory power-of-attorney form when available. Statutory forms are widely accepted and less likely to be rejected by providers or institutions.
Confirm Agent Willingness
Speak with your chosen agent(s) in advance, provide copies, and discuss values and treatment preferences so decisions can reflect the principal’s wishes.
Initial and Date Each Page
Have the principal initial every page and sign in the notary/witness presence to prevent later claims of omission or alteration.
Store the Original Securely
Keep the original with a trusted person or in a secure location and provide certified copies to the agent and primary providers.

Timing and When to Use the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions

Use the document when planning for incapacity, major procedures, or long-term care transitions; there is no universal filing deadline but prompt distribution matters.

When to Execute:

Execute while the principal is competent and able to communicate informed consent.

Immediate Effect vs Trigger:

Select whether authority is effective immediately or only upon physician determination of incapacity.

Provider Notification:

Deliver copies to primary care and specialists before any planned hospitalization.

Upon Incapacity:

Agent should present signed copy and any required notarization to healthcare providers promptly.

Periodic Review:

Review every 2–4 years or after major life changes to confirm preferences and agent availability.

Realistic Scenarios Where a Durable Health Care POA Helps

The following scenarios illustrate common uses and practical benefits without legal advice; tailor documents to state requirements.

Elder Care Planning

An aging parent completes a durable health care POA while competent to name an adult child as agent and provide specific end-of-life care preferences.

  • The agent is authorized to make immediate treatment decisions when the parent lacks capacity.
  • Having the document in the electronic health record prevented an admission delay and reduced family conflict by clarifying authority at the hospital.

Acute Hospital Admission

A patient undergoing major surgery signs a durable health care POA to authorize post-operative decision-making by a spouse.

  • The agent can consent to or refuse treatments per the principal’s instructions.
  • Presenting the signed and notarized form at admission allowed the hospital to follow the spouse’s decisions without court intervention.

eSignature Vendor Pricing and Capability Snapshot for This Document

Below is a concise comparison of starting prices and key capabilities relevant to signing sensitive health care documents; signNow is listed first per page conventions.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About Durable Health Care Powers of Attorney

Answers to common legal, execution, and eSigning questions to help avoid processing delays and ensure acceptance by providers.


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