Michigan Estate Planning FAQs

• Q: What Is The Person To Whom I Give Decision-Making Power Called?
  A: The person is known as a "patient advocate".
• Q: When Can The Patient Advocate Act In My Behalf?
  A: The patient advocate can make decisions for you only when you are unable to participate in medical treatment decisions.
• Q: Why Might I Be Unable To Participate In Medical Treatment Decisions?
  A: There might be a temporary loss of ability to make or communicate decisions, if one were knocked unconscious in a car accident or had a stroke. There might be a long … More
• Q: Who Determines That I Am No Longer Able To Participate In These Decisions?
  A: The doctor responsible for your care and one other doctor will make that determination.
• Q: What Powers Can I Give A Patient Advocate?
  A: You can give a patient advocate power to make those personal care decisions you normally make for yourself. For example, you can give your patient advocate power to … More
• Q: Can I Give My Patient Advocate The Right To Make Decisions To Withhold Or Withdraw Life-Sustaining Treatment?
  A: Yes, but you must express in a clear and convincing manner that the patient advocate is authorized to make such decisions, and you must acknowledge these decisions … More
• Q: Can I Authorize My Patient Advocate To Decide To Withhold Or Withdraw Food And Water Administered Through Tubes?
  A: Yes. If you wish to give your patient advocate power to have tube feeding withheld or withdrawn in the event you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious, you … More
• Q: Do I Have The Right To Express In The Document My Wishes Concerning Medical Treatment And Personal Care?
  A: Yes. You might, for example, express your wishes concerning the type of care you want during terminal illness. You might also express a desire not to be placed in a … More
• Q: Is It Important To Express My Wishes - Either In The Durable Power Of Attorney For Health Care Or In A Separate Living Will?
  A: It may be. Your wishes cannot be followed if no one is aware of them. It can also be a great burden for your patient advocate to make a decision for you without guidance.
• Q: Who May I Appoint As Patient Advocate?
  A: Any person age 18 or older is eligible. Obviously, you should choose someone you trust, who can handle the responsibility, and who is willing to serve.
• Q: Does A Patient Advocate Need To Accept The Responsibility Before Acting?
  A: Yes, he or she must sign an acceptance. This does not have to be done at the time you sign the document. Nevertheless, you should speak to the person you propose to … More

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