Medical Power of Attorney: Secure Your Health Decisions Now

Purpose of a Texas Medical Power of Attorney and HIPAA Authorization under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 166.

A Texas Medical Power of Attorney and HIPAA Authorization ensure your medical care follows your wishes if you’re incapacitated. Here’s a detailed look at each document:

Texas Medical Power of Attorney

Purpose:

Appointment of an Agent:

This document allows you to appoint an agent to make medical decisions if you’re incapacitated.

Decision-Making Authority:

The agent can consent to or refuse medical treatments, surgical procedures, and other healthcare services.

Healthcare Management:

The agent ensures your medical care aligns with your values, preferences, and best interests. Your Medical Power of Attorney works in connection with your Directive to Physicians for Life Support.

Key Points:

Activation:

The medical power of attorney becomes effective when a physician deems you incapacitated.

Scope:

The agent’s authority can be broad or limited based on your specific instructions in the document.

Termination:

The document remains in effect until you revoke it, a termination date occurs, or you pass away.

HIPAA Authorization

Purpose:

Access to Medical Information:

This document authorizes specified individuals or entities to access your protected health information (PHI).

Sharing of Information:

It allows healthcare providers to share medical information with designated individuals for informed decisions and coordinated care.

Key Points:

Specified Recipients:

The authorization specifies who can access your medical information, including family members, friends, or trusted individuals.

Scope of Information:

You can limit the scope of information, specifying what type can be disclosed and for what purposes.

Duration:

The authorization can be set for a specific period or remain in effect until you revoke it.

Importance of Both Documents

Ensuring Continuity of Care:

These documents ensure seamless medical care management if you’re incapacitated, allowing the agent to access necessary information and make informed decisions.

Legal and Privacy Compliance:

They help comply with legal requirements and privacy laws, avoiding delays and legal issues in managing your healthcare.

Empowering Trusted Individuals:

By specifying who can make medical decisions and access information, these documents ensure trusted individuals manage your healthcare.

Conclusion

A Texas Medical Power of Attorney and HIPAA Authorization provide a clear, effective framework for managing your medical care and information. They empower designated individuals to make critical decisions and access necessary information, ensuring your treatment aligns with your wishes and is managed efficiently and legally.

Our Texan Estate Plan includes a Texas Medical Power of Attorney and HIPAA Authorization.