what is a healthcare power of attorney 
a healthcare power of attorney hcpa is a legal document that allows an individual to empower another person to make decisions about their medical care a healthcare power of attorney refers to both a legal document and a specific person with legal authority understanding healthcare power of attorneythe healthcare power of attorney helps people who cannot communicate to exert their wishes regarding their medical care and treatment the persons listed on the hcpa document become the sick or injured person s agent or healthcare proxy usually the form asks for alternates in case the first named hcpa is not available to serve in this capacity each state might differ in this and other such details however so you ll need to consult your own state s rules and forms when arranging for an hcpa healthcare proxies can communicate with the patient s doctors to prevent unwanted treatments and avoid making the wrong decisions they also have the power to make medical decisions for the person who is incapacitated writing an hcpa is straightforward you fill out a form and have it notarized moreover you can change or revoke who you want to be your healthcare proxy at any time by simply destroying the old hcpa and completing a new one anyone may serve as a healthcare power of attorney or an attorney in fact your hcpa can have any type of relationship with you this person might be your friend partner lover relative or colleague for example you are free to choose anybody so long as you trust them and feel that they are competent the healthcare power of attorney serves a vital function during both periodic illnesses and at the end of life 