Healthcare Proxies
You can appoint the person you wish to make your healthcare decisions in the event that you are unable to do so. If you do not specify, hospitals will attempt to track down your next of kin to make decisions on your behalf. Healthcare Proxies allow you to appoint a partner or trusted friend to make decisions for you in the event that you are unable. These forms are also available through your doctor’s office or Lambda Legal Defense.
Once you complete your forms be sure to keep a copy for yourself and give copies to:
Hospital Visitation
Hospital Visitation Authorizations allows you to say who you wish to have visitation rights if you are hospitalized. You can download this form from the National Center for Lesbian Rights
Power of Attorney
A power of Attorney allows someone to make financial decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Power of attorney forms are available at most banks or legal stationary stores. The National Center for Lesbian Rights warns, “The designation of power of attorney should not be taken lightly. By designating a person to be your agent, you are giving your agent very broad rights to handle your finances, including the ability to empty your bank account. Your agent should be someone who not only knows how to handle money, but also someone you trust, without reservation.”
Power of Attorney forms are available at most banks.
