POAHC is designed to authorize another person to act on your behalf when you’re unable to make medical decisions for yourself. The POAHC names someone who “stands in your shoes” and tells the doctors what to do, or not do for you. Unlike the ADHC, which is limited to terminally ill patients, the POAHC applies whenever you’re unable to make medical decisions, such as when you’re temporarily incapacitated or seriously ill. The document authorizes the appointee to make medical decisions for you (in the event you are unable to make those decisions) as long as you live or until you revoke and cancel the document. As long as you wish and are mentally competent, you retain all power to make your own decisions.
