Durable Health Care Power of Attorney. definition
Durable Health Care Power of Attorney.. The term "durable" means that your designated Health Care Agent will have power to act even if you become disabled). Many states do not require that you appoint a Health Care Agent. If a Health Care Agent is required or recommended in your home state, the forms below will contain such the terminology to effect such an appointment. Anyone over the age of 18, who is not your doctor or health care provider, may be appointed as your Health Care Agent. You can choose a family member such as your spouse or an adult child, a close friend, or someone else you trust. You can also appoint one or more "alternate agents" in the event that the person you selected as your primary Health Care Agent is unavailable or unwilling to make a decision. You should talk to the people you plan to appoint as your Health Care Agent to insure that they understand your medical and health care wishes, and agree to accept this responsibility. Your Health Care Agent is immune from liability so long as he or she acts in good faith. This is sometimes an important consideration for Health Care Agents who are not related to you.