Healthcare Power of Attorney and Living Will

In Ohio, this is a two-part process. A living will is an attestation of your intent not to be kept alive by artificial means. A living will generally refers a treating physician or other healthcare provider to speak with a designated individual or alternate individuals in regards to your desires. This document then refers them to what is known as a healthcare power of attorney.

The healthcare power of attorney is an express of authority to another individual to make your decisions for you. In the event you are unconscious, mentally incompetent, or in a permanent non­-responsive state, the healthcare power of attorney allows that individual to make anything from a routine medical decision to a decision terminating life support. This is entirely different than a do not resuscitate order.

A do not resuscitate order specifies that you will not be resuscitated in the event of a medical emergency. Medical professionals, regardless of your age or health will follow this order. Thus, signing a do not resuscitate order is an expression of your desire to die naturally despite your age or health conditions.  These should be entered into carefully and with consideration for potential health problems not only in the immediate future but also in the distance future.