Details on State Durable Power of Attorney Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
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State laws on durable power of attorney -- like living wills laws -- are concerned with how an individual who has become incapacitated may exert some influence and control over certain decisions that will be made concerning their health care. A durable power of attorney is an instrument that is similar to a living will except that it gives authority to a named individual to decide whether or not to begin or discontinue artificial life support.
Any decision the holder of the durable power of attorney makes regarding life support is said to have the exact same legal effect as though the patient had made the decision himself or herself. In the "Durable Power of Attorney" state laws chart, you will find information on the specific powers and acts that can be covered in a durable power of attorney, requirements for making the instrument valid, how a durable power of attorney can be revoked, and more.
- More Information on Living Wills and Durable Power of Attorney
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