Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPA)
What is Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPA)?
A healthcare power of attorney (HCPA) is a document that legally authorizes someone to make health-related decisions on someone else's behalf.
How Does Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPA) Work?
Individuals sometimes become too unwell or unfit to make decisions regarding their healthcare treatments. To prepare for this possibility, many people appoint another individual to act as their healthcare power of attorney. The HPCA empowers a specific individual (for example, a close friend or relative) to communicate with healthcare personnel regarding another's treatments when that person is incapacitated or unable to communicate.
For example, suppose Bob is advancing in age and has expressed concern about becoming increasingly confused. Bob asks his son Jack to act as his HCPA. Jack signs the HPCA authorizing Jack to communicate with healthcare professionals and make healthcare decisions on Bob's behalf if Bob becomes unable to do so.
Why Does Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPA) Matter?
It is important that those who act as HCPAs are extremely familiar with the individual's health situation and wishes as far as treatment. This helps them make the most effective decisions on the individual's behalf and express the individual's treatment wishes as accurately as possible.
Personalized Financial Plans for an Uncertain Market
In today’s uncertain market, investors are looking for answers to help them grow and protect their savings. So we partnered with Vanguard Advisers -- one of the most trusted names in finance -- to offer you a financial plan built to withstand a variety of market and economic conditions. A Vanguard advisor will craft your customized plan and then manage your savings, giving you more confidence to help you meet your goals. Click here to get started.
Read This Next
