Georgia Health Care Power of Attorney

The Georgia advance directive for health care serves as the official state health care "power of attorney" document. The advance directive also serves as a living will. The document is used to communicate the medical care wishes of a Georgia resident in advance, to ensure that care is administered according to her wishes if she can no longer communicate or make decisions.

Prior Health Care Documents

• Combines health care power of attorney and living will

  Using the single Georgia advance directive for health care took effect July 1, 2007. However, a health care or power of attorney document that was created before that date is still legally binding and remains in effect, unless revoked. Any new or revised document that is created must be in the form of the Georgia advance directive for health care.

Why the Single Document was Created

• Relieves anxiety for family members

  Like many states, Georgia followed the trend to have a single document that stipulates both the health care and living will wishes of state residents. By having one document, the chances for inconsistencies and confusion are reduced between what could be stated in one document, but stated differently or not at all on another. The advance directive provides greater assurance that care wishes are now consistently executed.

Importance

• Gives guidance on levels of care

  The advance directive is a highly important document. It provides knowledge to caregivers and family members on how to proceed, make choices, and provide care-giving guidance and consent.

  Even when a person is no longer able to communicate, the document can serve as his "voice" in decision-making. This additionally helps to relieve anxiety, conflict and confusion for those who are chosen to fulfill responsibilities as outlined in the directive.

Timing

• Honors your wishes

  Some people wait until they become elderly to create their advance directive. Others include it as part of their overall personal, family and financial planning at any age, so the document is in place in the event of a terminal or debilitating illness, coma or untimely demise.

Stipulations

• You name a health care agent and guardian

  The advance directive provides the opportunity to stipulate choices and preferences in regards to medical procedures and treatments--and at what point you wish to withdraw them. It also stipulates provisional wishes in terms of continuing a respirator or ventilator, receiving artificial nutrition or feeding tube, and other means of life support.

Appointing a Health Care Agent

• In completing the directive document, you can name a health care agent to serve as your personal representative. This person will have legal authority to step in and consent to treatment choices based on your directive. She will also have access to your medical records if and when needed. In the event of death, she can also make decisions regarding the final disposition of your body as directed.

Selecting a Guardian

• You may also name a guardian. This person assumes responsibilities only in the event that a court determines that one is needed for your personal welfare, safety and support. Your health care agent can also be named as your guardian.