How to Become the Power of Attorney for Someone in the Hospital
- 1). Determine what type of power of attorney the hospitalized individual requires. A financial power of attorney is appropriate if the individual is unable or likely to be unavailable to deal with her finances. A durable power of attorney is wise to ensure that someone she trusts is available to make important medical decisions if she is incapacitated at some future point in time.
- 2). Obtain an appropriate power of attorney form (or forms, if both types of powers of attorney are created). You can obtain a durable power of attorney for health care from the hospital at which your family member or friend is located. A financial power of attorney is available at most banks and other financial institutions.
- 3). Complete the power of attorney form, designating yourself as the agent. If there are any limitations placed on the power of attorney by the patient, make sure that she includes them in the power of attorney form. The standard form for both types of powers of attorney include room to spell out any desired limitations.
- 4). Find a notary public available to go to the patient's hospital. You likely will find a notary public at the medical center--at least during daytime business hours.
- 5). Arrange for the patient to sign the power of attorney form (or forms) in front of the notary public.
- 6). Keep the original power of attorney form (or forms) if you are designated the agent. The patient is provided a copy for her records.
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