Advance Medical Directive Agent Responsibilities

The first thing you need to understand is that an advance medical directive establishes an agency relationship between a principal and an agent. The principal authorizes their agent to have authority to make decisions on their behalf in the event that they become unable to do so. This can occur due to illness, injury, or other circumstances that leave the person unable to communicate their wishes. In such circumstances, the person would be incapable of making an informed decision. The determination that someone is incapable of making an informed decision must be confirmed by two doctors after a personal examination of the principal.

Responsibilities Of An Advance Medical Directive Agent

The agent’s responsibilities typically include:

1. Understanding the individual’s wishes regarding their medical care and treatment preferences, as outlined in the advance directive or living will.

2. Making healthcare decisions on behalf of the individual, based on their wishes and values, as well as any guidance provided in the advance directive or living will.

3. Communicating with healthcare providers and other relevant parties, such as family members, to ensure that the individual’s wishes are being respected and followed.

4. Managing any disputes or conflicts that may arise regarding the individual’s medical care.

Being an advance medical directive agent is a significant responsibility, as it involves making important decisions about another person’s health and well-being. It requires a deep understanding of the individual’s wishes, values, and medical history, as well as an ability to communicate effectively with healthcare providers and other parties involved in the individual’s care. It is important for the agent to be trustworthy, reliable, and willing to act in the best interests of the individual they represent.

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The information on this site is for general informational purposes only. The information presented in this site is not legal advice or a legal opinion. You should seek the advice of legal counsel of your choice before acting upon any of the information in this site.