Question 1

What's the difference between a Healthcare POA and a Living Will?

Accepted Answer

A Healthcare POA names the person who can make medical decisions for you when you can't. A Living Will (Advance Directive) records your specific wishes about resuscitation, intubation, and life support, so your agent and your doctors don't have to guess. Most clients want both, drafted together.

Question 2

Will my doctor actually follow my healthcare directive?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Arizona healthcare directives are legally binding under Arizona Revised Statutes Title 36. The key is making sure your documents are accessible. We provide signed copies for you, your healthcare agent, and your primary care physician, and we can register your directive with the Arizona Secretary of State on request.

Question 3

Do I need a separate Mental Health Care Power of Attorney?

Accepted Answer

It's optional, but worth considering. Arizona allows a separate Mental Health Care POA that gives your agent authority over inpatient psychiatric treatment specifically (something a standard Healthcare POA may not cover). We'll discuss whether this is right for you at the consultation.

Question 4

Where should I store my healthcare directive?

Accepted Answer

Give a signed copy to your healthcare agent, your primary care physician, and any adult children who might be involved. Keep an original where you (and your agent) can find it. Don't lock it in a safe-deposit box. Banks may not be open when you need it. We can also register the document with Arizona's online registry for emergency access.

Document your healthcare wishes before you need them.

If this sounds like you, this is probably the right document.

About healthcare directives.

Ready to draft your healthcare directives?