Hospitalized - Notarizations Needed

Hospitalizations are not always planned.? And they are often a wake up call when you least expect them.?

When you are admitted to a hospital, the administration will ask you if you have an Advanced Health Care Directive and a Power of Attorney.? This question is asked for your protection. The hospital wants to provide you the best possible care. You have control over your treatments, tests, plans, etc.? And your family may help you during this time. If at any point you are not capable of making those decisions, who do you want to take over for you?? Who do you trust to ensure your desired care is followed?

Your wishes for decisions like DNR - do not resuscitate, and DNI - do not intubate, CPR - cardiopulmonary resuscitation, are what your Health Care Directive will deliver.? The person who will have your Power of Attorney should know your choices for these as well. How do you choose a Power of Attorney?? Ask yourself these questions.? Who can ask hard questions? Who will be firm and confident with health care professionals? Who have I shared what I want and don’t want? Who can make the hard choices at stressful and emotional times?

Without a Health Care Directive or Power of Attorney, your family will be limited to the decisions they can make for you.? If you do not have these two documents, you can get a Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive notarized when you are in the hospital. Most hospitals have a basic, limited template that you can use. The State of California has a template as well that you can find here.