A Healthcare Power of Attorney or HPOA authorizes an agent to make healthcare decisions on your behalf of another person referred to as a principal.
An agent under an HPOA can:
- Decide which life support services will be used;
- Book medical and dental appointments; and
- Make decisions about medical treatments.
The person chosen to an agent under an HPOA must be:
•Over 18 years of age;
•Willing to take on the role; and
•Someone that can be trusted to make responsible decisions about another's healthcare and wellbeing.
The South Carolina Department on Aging provides a Healthcare Power of Attorney form which you can access
here.
Process for Appointing an HPOA