Durable Power of Attorney

Durable Power of Attorney

Overview:

HCPOA or DPOA you need to understand the differences, to get the services you require.

What is a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) and Why do I Need One, is a question being asked more frequently. It is important to understand how it is different than a Healthcare Power of Attorney. Is it to be effective now or when I am incapacitated? What can you do to make sure it will be enforced?

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY (DPOA)

What will it do?

Identifies a designated person-an Agent -who may make decisions for you, the Principal, and handle your personal business on your behalf. It is a flexible document – as Principal, you may designate as many or few powers to your Agent as you wish. It gives you peace of mind knowing you and your personal affairs will be managed by someone you trust.

Why would I need it?

DOPA provides a seamless process for someone else to help you:

  • Help manage your finances and personal affairs if you become ill or incapacitated.
  • It can prevent the need for someone to seek Guardianship and Conservator-ship.
  • It allows you to make decisions about specific powers you want to grant and the persons to whom you grant them.

South Carolina just enacted a new General Durable Power of Attorney Statute (effective January 2017). The new law is more comprehensive and includes new requirements not previously included in the old statute.

HEALTHCARE POWER OF ATTORNEY (HCPOA)

What is it ?

Healthcare Power of Attorney is the document that gives legal power to make healthcare decisions. Note not all healthcare providers honor a General Durable Power of Attorney with healthcare decisions. An HCPOA should be made effective immediately, before you are incapacitated.

What does it do ?

Healthcare Power of Attorney, designates someone to receive healthcare information to make  specific healthcare decisions on your behalf. It does not grant any powers regarding financial decisions. It does allow you to make specific end-of life decisions, and becomes effective only after you are incapacitated.

HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPPA)

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Regulation is designed to protect personal information and data collected and stored in medical records. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act established a national standard to be used in all doctors’ offices, hospitals and other businesses where personal medical information is stored.

Contacts

Lancaster County Register of Deeds