Menu
As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 continues to disrupt our daily life and leave us 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 – documents to complete is your advance healthcare directive.
An advance healthcare directive, sometimes called a medical power of attorney, is a document in which you have the ability to name someone to manage your healthcare in the event you are unable to do so. Your agent (also called a healthcare agent, medical agent, healthcare surrogate, healthcare proxy, or medical proxy) is the person you authorize to make decisions on your behalf and access your medical information. A healthcare directive also allows you to write down your wishes about things like nutrition support, dialysis, end of life arrangements, burial, cremation, organ donation, and more.
According to the CDC, as of April 12 there were 525,704 total cases of coronavirus. Of those cases reported, 20,486 people have died (about 3.89%). So even if you get sick, you’ll most likely have mild symptoms and recover quickly. 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. In the event you have not named a healthcare agent and you are unable to make decisions for yourself,
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 important factors to consider when selecting an agent:
Many states have laws prohibiting certain people from acting as your medical agent, even if they are otherwise well-qualified to act in that role:
With many of us working from home and abiding by the current shelter-in-place order in Minnesota, now is a great time to review and update your estate plan. An Advance Healthcare Directive may be among the most important legal document 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 at (507) 288-5567 or schedule an appointment online to discuss how we can help you and your family be prepared for the future.
© 2024 Wagner Oehler, Ltd
Legal Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Law Firm Website Design by The Modern Firm