How to Revoke a Medical Power of Attorney

A Medical Power of Attorney allows another person (called your "agent") to make important healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to do so for yourself. For example, if you were in a coma, the person named in your Medical Power of Attorney would be able to consent to treatments for you on your behalf. This can clearly be helpful in many cases, but may be stressful if you fear you made a bad decision in who you named as your agent. If you find yourself in this situation, you can revoke the Medical Power of Attorney, says the Ohio Legal Rights Service.

Instructions

Revoking Medical Power of Attorney Directly

• 1

  Explain to your agent that you wish to revoke your Medical Power of Attorney. This step is not absolutely necessary, but can save some confusion in the long run. If you do not inform this person, he may attempt to make your healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated, not realizing that he no longer remains responsible for this task.

• 2

  Write a short and clear letter stating that you wish to revoke the Medical Power of Attorney and no longer wish for the person named in that document to serve as your agent. Be sure to include your name, the name of the person who was your agent, and the date.

• 3

  Give a copy of this letter to your health care provider. This immediately revokes the Medical Power of Attorney, states the Texas Medical Association.