Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a document to authorize another to act on your behalf. You are referred to as the principal and the person you have named to act on your behalf is referred to as your agent.
One type of power of attorney is a financial power of attorney. Another type is a health care power of attorney.
With a financial power of attorney, you as the principal authorize another as your agent to handle financial matters for you as though you were the one acting.
With a health care power of attorney, you authorize another to make medical decisions on your behalf. A health care power of attorney can also include your wishes regarding your medical care summarized in a document referred to as your Living Will, Advance Directive and Health Care Power of Attorney.