#1 Legal Document Every Adult Needs to Have
As the coronavirus continues to disrupt daily life and leave Americans uncertain of the future, you don’t have to feel helpless during this pandemic. In fact, now is a great time to be proactive and plan ahead should you or a loved one fall ill. One of the most important and relatively easy things you can do (and should do) is to select a healthcare agent and document it in a healthcare power of attorney document.
What Is a Healthcare Agent?
A healthcare agent (also called a medical agent, healthcare surrogate, a healthcare proxy, or a medical proxy) is a person you authorize in a medical power of attorney to make decisions about your medical care if you are too ill to make them yourself or are otherwise unable to communicate your wishes.
Why is it important to choose a healthcare agent now?
While selecting a healthcare agent is always of importance, right now we are facing the unpredictable coronavirus pandemic. As of April 19, 2020, there are 741,230 total cases of coronavirus. Of those, 13,551 are in critical condition (about 1.8%). So even if you get sick, available numbers show that you most likely will not have the worst systems and will recover. However, since no one knows exactly how they will be affected by the virus, it’s best to plan for the worst and hope for the best. Part of that planning is making sure someone can make healthcare decisions for you if you fall ill and are unable to make those decisions for yourself.
Factors to Consider in Choosing Your Healthcare Agent
A healthcare agent is an important role, and the person you choose will have the power to make critical healthcare decisions—like consenting to a treatment plan, whether to accept or refuse medical treatment, and which healthcare providers or hospitals to use for your care. As a result, it is crucial to think carefully about who you choose to fill this role. Many people simply assume that their spouse or their oldest child should take on this role, but they are not always the best suited. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an agent:
1) Emotional maturity. People handle stress differently, and not everyone is able to set aside their emotions and make level-headed decisions when someone they love is suffering. In addition, some people are simply not assertive enough to act as a strong advocate in the face of differing opinions of other family members--or even health care providers--who suggest a treatment plan you have informed your healthcare agent you do not want. You should choose someone who is able to think rationally in emotionally difficult circumstances, even if that means you must look outside of your family to find the best person for the job.
2) Location. The person you choose to act as your healthcare agent should be someone who lives close by and is able to act on your behalf very quickly in the event of a medical emergency or if you need your advocate to serve in that role for an extended time period. In current times, many people might be under a mandatory or recommended stay-at-home order or may not be available or willing to travel to another city or state. Consider naming several alternate agents to account for someone’s potential unavailability.
3) Is willing/able to serve. Acting as a healthcare agent can be a time-consuming and emotionally draining job. Make sure that the person you choose is willing and able to set aside the time necessary to serve as your patient advocate. Don’t just assume the person you want to be your healthcare agent is willing: Be proactive and ask if he or she is willing to take on that role. Keep in mind that if you are elderly, you may want to avoid naming a friend or family member who also is older, as there is a greater chance that they will experience mental or physical decline at the same time as, or before, you, which could impede their ability to serve as your advocate when the time comes.
4) Will honor your wishes no matter what. Your healthcare agent has a duty to make decisions on your behalf that you would have made to the extent that he or she is aware of your wishes. This is the case even if your healthcare agent disagrees with your choices. As a result, your healthcare agent needs to be someone who is willing to set aside his or her own opinions and wishes to carry out yours. It may be prudent to appoint someone who has values and religious beliefs that are similar to yours to reduce the instances in which your agent’s opinions differ significantly from yours. Do not choose anyone that you do not trust to carry out your wishes.
People You Should Not Choose
Many states have laws prohibiting certain people from acting as your healthcare agent, even if they are otherwise well-qualified to act in that role:
1) Minors. Many states have laws expressly prohibiting a minor from being a patient advocate. The age of majority could be 18, 19, or 21 years of age, depending upon the state. Some states have exceptions to this prohibition for married or emancipated minors.
2) Your health care providers. Some states not only prohibit your healthcare providers from acting as your healthcare agent, but also preclude the owner, operator, or any employee of any facility in which you are a patient or resident from acting in that role. Some states that have adopted this prohibition make an exception for individuals who are related to you. A few states, such as Kansas, Missouri, and Kentucky, also have an exception if that person is an active member of the same religious organization as you.
Need help?
A healthcare power of attorney document may be among the most important legal documents you prepare - especially in light of COVID-19. Picking a healthcare agent can be tricky, and we can help you think through your choice. We can also help with any other estate planning needs you may have—whether that’s setting up a financial power of attorney, last will and testament, or a trust. Please give us a call today to discuss how we can help you and your family be prepared should you fall ill.
This article is a service of Attorney Delania Barbee of Barbee Law Boutique, PLLC and is for general educational purposes only. You should seek legal counsel or other professional counsel for advice specific to your situation. Barbee Law Boutique, PLLC gives you the information and guidance you need to make informed and empowered decisions about your life and legacy. That's why we offer a Life and Legacy Breakthrough Session, during which our goal is to get you more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and help you make the best choices for yourself and the people you love. To get started, schedule a no-cost clarity call by phone at (413) 271-7686 or online at bit.ly/barbeeclaritycall.
