

- #Does power of attorney need to be notarized in michigan software#
- #Does power of attorney need to be notarized in michigan download#
How do health care providers decide who is unable to make decisions for themselves? Someone can also specify the circumstances under which they will and will not accept certain treatments. For example, a person can authorize transfusions and IV lines but refuse ventilator care. A living will allows people to state specifically what type of treatment they do or do not want. At this time, it is not legally binding in Michigan, but it is still valuable in letting loved ones and health care providers know one’s wishes. This places a heavy burden on them.Ī living will is another form of advance directives. Without advance directives, others often have to make decisions, which may or may not be in line with the patient’s wishes. They are a way of letting loved ones and physicians know a person’s deepest wishes. Patients can help the surrogate by learning as much as they can about the choices that may have to be made and by sharing their values and preferences.Īdvance directives protect a person’s right to make choices that affect his or her life. Therefore, the surrogate, also called a patient advocate, should be someone you trust who knows how you feel about healthcare issues. The surrogate’s job is to make the same choices you would make if you were able.

Life-sustaining treatments include resuscitation, use of ventilators, dialysis, surgery and the giving of fluids, and nutrition by artificial means, such as IV lines and tubes. Surrogates make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so, including decisions on whether to begin, withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatments.

Notarization is not necessary, but the form must be witnessed. Your surrogate must accept the role in writing, by signing the Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare form. You can also request a copy by calling our administrative office at 88. A living will should be witnessed the same way.
#Does power of attorney need to be notarized in michigan download#
If you need to download Acrobat Reader, free of charge, click the icon.ĭurable Power of Attorney for Healthcare and Living Will forms.Īnyone over 18 can witness the signatures of the patient and surrogate, except: a spouse, a child, a grandchild, a brother or sister, an employee of a company that provides you with life or health insurance, or an employee of the healthcare agency or institution that is caring for you.
#Does power of attorney need to be notarized in michigan software#
Note: This form requires the software Acrobat Reader. Print out the form from your computer, fill it out and give a copy to your assigned spokesperson, your doctor and your attorney. This is a legal document in which you can appoint a relative or close friend who will become your surrogate decision-maker for healthcare matters.ĭurable Power of attorney for Healthcare.Ĭlick here to download a form that allows you to appoint someone to be your spokesperson regarding health matters if you are not able to speak for yourself. The Michigan Patient Self-Determination Act, Michigan Law PA 312 of 1990, recognizes the validity of a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. It’s also an opportunity to appoint a surrogate who will make key health decisions if that becomes necessary. Advance directives give patients a way to protect their rights in such cases, allowing them to decide, now, what type of treatment they will or will not want, later. Problems sometimes arise when a person is unable to communicate choices because of an accident or illness. These choices are always noted on the patient’s medical record. This means choosing among available treatments as well as choosing to withhold or stop treatment at any time.

We greatly respect the rights of our patients to choose their course of care.
