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So, what steps do you need to take to complete a Maryland medical power of attorney form?
Selection of Surrogate Decision-Maker
In general, the first several pages of the downloadable form include vital information that must be read and understood by all the agreement participants.
Once it is done, it’s time to specify the grantor’s full name and full date of birth in a specifically designated field. Then, in the section where the principal needs to choose their patient advocate, they have to indicate the individual’s full name and birth date for this role. It is of utmost importance to choose a responsible and credible person, as your life will almost literally be in their hands.
Besides, the name of the healthcare agent, their residential address, and phone numbers (mobile phone included) must be provided. By analogy with other POAs, you can designate a backup attorney-in-fact or even two of such candidates. It is needed in case the primary private attorney becomes unable to perform their responsibilities. Do not forget to give the full name, date of birth, address of residence, e-mail, and telephone number of each backup patient advocate.
Deciding on the Powers of the Patient Advocate(s)
The next section allows the principal to define the sphere of authority and liability of the selected agent concerning any healthcare decision-making. Besides that, here, the grantor may indicate any terms, instructions, restrictions, and clarifications that apply to the powers presented to all surrogate decision-makers.
In compliance with Maryland POA laws, when faced with a difficult decision, the assigned patient advocate has the right to discuss it with the relatives and significant other of the declarant. The names and contact information of such people should be specified in the medical proxy as well, even though this feature is optional.
The creator of a healthcare POA in Maryland can decide when their proxy will take effect – right after its completion or when their primary physician deems the principal disabled.
Signing and Witnessing Requirements
The Maryland medical proxy owner must put their signature in the specified field, accompanying it with the current date. After the declarant’s signature, a couple of witnesses have to provide their personal and contact information, sign this juridical document, and confirm the grantor’s signing of the existing healthcare proxy.
Upon the Demise of the Declarant
The following advance directive also includes the section title “After My Death,” where the grantor has the right to specify how they wish their remains to be handled after their passing. The full name and birth date of the principal must be written below their statement. Although this part is optional, some can donate their organs for transplantation to save others’ lives, their whole body for medical education to med schools, and other purposes. Whatever it is, it must be clearly stated in the discussed section.