Representation Agreement
A Representation Agreement is a tool that allows you to appoint someone to
make personal and health care decisions for you. There are 2 types of
Representation Agreements, Standard and Enhanced.
Standard Representation
Agreements cover routine financial and/or health care decisions, while
Enhanced Representation Agreements give broader powers to the
representative, including end of life decision making. You can appoint a
single representative or multiple representatives to make decisions
regarding your health and personal care while you are living in the event
you are unable to communicate your own wishes.
Depending on the type of Representation Agreement and how it is prepared, a representative's authority can include:
- Routine finances.
- Decisions regarding healthcare, personal care, and limited legal affairs.
- The power to give or refuse consent to health care necessary to preserve life.
- Consent to less common medical procedures/treatment.
- Deciding on living arrangements.
- Choosing a care facility.
Advance Directives
Advance Directives are legal instructions to doctors, nurses and other
healthcare providers for your future healthcare. They ensure your wishes are
carried out by healthcare providers if you are unable to express yourself in
the future. Advanced Directives cannot be overturned by medical professionals or family members.
People who should consider having their Notary prepare an Advanced Directive include:
- People with specific religious beliefs.
- People who want to ensure that their wishes are followed even if their family's wishes differ from their own.
- People have no family who could be appointed as their representative.