Self-help templates
Healthcare Power of Attorney (Medical Decisions and Care Wishes)
For naming who speaks for you on medical matters if you cannot, and writing down your wishes: when it starts, treatment choices, privacy, a back-up person and witnesses.
Card payment through Stripe. Your files are ready straight after payment and are also sent by e-mail.
Licence: this document is for your personal use only. You may not resell, share, copy or republish it, or use its content, without the written permission of TheLawToKnow.
How to use it
- When: you want to name someone you trust to speak for you on medical matters if you cannot decide or communicate yourself, for example after an accident or serious illness, and you want to record your wishes about care.
- Who signs: the person naming the agent (the principal). Many countries also require witnesses or a notary, and the agent may sign to accept.
- Fill in everything in [square brackets] and cross out options that do not apply. Talk it through with the person you name, so they know what you would want.
- Choose with great care, and name a second person in case the first is unavailable.
- Form matters: some countries require a special form, witnesses, or a doctor's confirmation. Ask your doctor or the hospital whether they accept it, and keep copies where the agent can find them.
- Tip: give copies to your agent, your doctor and your family, and review the document from time to time, especially after a change in your health or family.
What is inside
- Art. 1. The principal
- Art. 2. The agent and the alternate
- Art. 3. When this takes effect
- Art. 4. Powers granted
- Art. 5. My wishes about care
- Art. 6. Limits
- Art. 7. Information and privacy
- Art. 8. Duration and revocation
- Art. 9. Relying on this document
- Art. 10. Form, language and governing law
- Art. 11. Declaration
- Notes on the clauses and a checklist of what to check under your country's law
What these templates are not
- They are self-help templates, not legal advice, and they do not replace a lawyer.
- Laws differ from country to country, and some rules cannot be changed by contract. Each template ends with a checklist of what to check where you live.
- For a high-value or unusual situation, ask a local lawyer or notary to look at the final text.
TheLawToKnow Tools. Self-help template. Not legal advice. Check the law currently in force. Written with the help of AI tools and reviewed by a lawyer-author.