Mental Health America of Virginia The voice of reason in mental health advocacy

Screen 8: Agent Powers
You can choose how much power to give your agent in making decisions for you. You may choose to give your agent the power to make all medical decisions or you may decide to place limits on that power. You can place broad limits on your agent's power such as granting him or her the authority to make all decisions except for psychiatric decisions; or very specific limits such as when a person's religious beliefs prohibit the use of blood transfusions and the agent can consent to any medical treatment except blood transfusions. On the following screens, you will have the option of allowing your agent powers or limiting them. The options will be explained and you will be asked whether you want your agent to have that power-check yes or no.

Basic Agent Powers:

Option A: No limits-I want my health care agent to make decisions about all types of health care, including treatment, surgical and diagnostic procedures, medication and other procedures. If you give your agent this power, he or she will make all of your medical decisions, including end-of-life decisions (artificial respiration, artificially administered nutrition and hydration, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Even if you choose this option, there are some questions we will still need to cover.

Option B: I wish to limit my agent's powers. You will be able to list the limitations on another screen.

NEXT - Screen 9: More Agent Powers

BACK to Screen 7: Choosing and Agent