Different Powers Of Attorney ? (health issue, insurance, treatments, medical)

[JL]

So i wasn't aware that just because i have power of attorney regarding my elderly father's medical insurance or decide on what policy, etc. that i don't have power of attorney on medical procedures, etc. A couple years ago i had to get power of attorney in order to dispute a medical bill for him(too old to think for himself) and thought it also meant deciding on what procedures he should take if a health issue arised. Now my aunt says i also need a power of attorney on making medical decisions for him to? I thought i only needed one. I live in Texas. Thoughts? Thanks.

[Parnassia]

Listen to your aunt.

There are many different POA forms out there and they can be customized to fit specific circumstances. First, you need to read the POA you have very carefully to determine what specific authorities it provides. It may or may NOT include any authority to make medical decisions on his behalf. If you've needed to step in because your dad was incapable of handling a billing issue, sounds as if this is more than timely. You should plan to get clarification while he is still capable of expressing his wishes.

In general, durable POAs deal with financial decisions, not medical or quality of life issues. You need to read yours and/or discuss it with the attorney (hope you engaged one!) who prepared it for you. Making a decision about medical services he is obligated or not obligated to pay is not the same as deciding what therapeutic treatments he should or should not have, does or does not want. That is a very different can of worms that delves into ethical, religious, and personal beliefs.

Just one of a number of articles that may help:

https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/w...er-of-attorney

[Rabrrita]

A Power of Attorney can be specific or broad.

If the one you have was for the purpose of handling health insurance billing, why would you think you have the right to make medical decisions? You need to Read the PoA and find out exactly what authority it grants.

[jiminnm]

Most states have their own health care powers of attorney, or generally specify the language that is required in one. This is the form Texas has on their web site.


https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/defa.../MPOA/MPOA.pdf

[mike1003]

There are medical and financial POAs, you don't seem to have either