Planning for the future isn’t always easy, especially when it involves making decisions about health and medical care. But taking the time to prepare now can protect your wishes and save your loved ones from difficult decisions down the line. One of the most important tools in that process is a general durable medical power of attorney—a legal document that allows someone you trust to make health care decisions for you if you can’t speak for yourself.

 

At Colorado Estate Planner, we guide individuals and families across Colorado through decisions like this every day. Led by attorney Melissa Dougherty Anderson, our team listens closely to your needs and helps you create a plan that reflects your values and goals. Whether you’re planning ahead for your own peace of mind or helping a family member sort through their future care preferences, we’re here to support you. 

 

Understanding a General Durable Medical Power of Attorney

 

A general durable medical power of attorney gives someone you trust the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to communicate. This trusted person—legally known as your agent or proxy—can work with doctors and other healthcare providers to make sure your treatment aligns with your wishes.

 

Unlike a standard power of attorney that may only apply in specific areas like finances, a durable medical power of attorney covers a broad range of medical situations. The word “durable” simply means that the document remains in effect even if you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. That’s what sets it apart: it sticks with you when it matters most.

 

This type of legal document can come into play during a medical emergency, surgery, unexpected illness, or any scenario where you're unable to advocate for yourself. For example, if you’re in a serious car accident and can’t communicate, your named agent would be able to work with doctors to guide your care based on the preferences you've outlined.

 

Here’s what sets a general durable medical power of attorney apart from other legal documents:

 

- It applies specifically to healthcare decisions, not financial or legal matters

- It can remain effective even after incapacity, unlike some general powers of attorney

- You can name an individual you trust to make choices that match your values

- It helps avoid legal complications or delays in treatment when decisions need to be made quickly

 

The process of setting up a general durable medical power of attorney is an opportunity to think carefully about your values, priorities, and the type of medical care you would or wouldn’t want. It also gives your family clarity and direction in situations that could otherwise be filled with confusion or disagreement.

 

What to Include in a General Durable Medical Power of Attorney

 

Creating a general durable medical power of attorney involves more than filling in a few blanks. This is a deeply personal document that deserves thoughtful planning. What you include sets the foundation for the decisions your agent may need to make on your behalf. In Colorado, certain elements are required by law, while others are optional but highly recommended to avoid confusion or misinterpretation later on.

 

First, the document should clearly name the individual you’re designating as your healthcare agent. You can also name alternate agents, should the first person be unwilling or unable to act when needed. Next, the scope of authority should be detailed enough so that healthcare providers understand what your agent can and cannot do—from approving surgeries and medications to choosing care facilities or requesting second opinions.

 

You can also include preferences on the types of treatments you would accept or decline under specific circumstances. For instance, some people choose to include statements about life support, artificial nutrition and hydration, or comfort care. This helps guide your agent and medical providers so they carry out decisions aligned with your values and beliefs.

 

To make your medical POA as useful as possible, it might help to include:

 

- The full legal name and contact information of your chosen agent(s)

- Clear instructions regarding your medical treatment preferences

- Specific statements about end-of-life care if desired

- A section authorizing your agent to access your medical records under HIPAA

- Any religious or cultural considerations that matter to you

 

All documents must be signed and properly witnessed or notarized according to Colorado laws. Without this, your POA may not be legally enforceable during a time when families rely on fast and unambiguous direction.

 

Support from Colorado Estate Planner

 

At Colorado Estate Planner, we help clients understand what these medical decisions can involve and walk them through the process of putting strong, reliable documents in place. We know that these conversations can sometimes be uncomfortable, but they're also some of the most useful and empowering choices you can make for yourself and those you care about.

 

Melissa Dougherty Anderson brings over 15 years of legal experience helping individuals and families across Colorado build complete and thoughtful estate plans. Whether you’re creating your first set of documents or updating an older plan, we tailor every step to your goals and help you feel confident about your decisions. Remote and in-person consultations are available to make the process more convenient.

 

Choosing someone to act on your behalf in a medical crisis is a big decision, and one that deserves clarity. By having a general durable medical power of attorney in place, you’re giving that trusted person the direction they need—backed by legal support—so that your care mirrors your choices, not someone else’s guess. It’s about being prepared, not scared. And you don’t have to do it alone.

 

If you're ready to take the next step in your planning, Colorado Estate Planner is here to help. Start building peace of mind today with a tailored general durable medical power of attorney that reflects your wishes and supports those you trust.