What’s the Difference Between a Durable General Power of Attorney and a Health Care Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is the authority to act for another person in specified or all legal or financial matters. A health care power of attorney gives the authority of a health care agent to make decisions when a person becomes unable to make or communicate any of their own decisions. So, what does this really mean? Here are some important facts and differences about the two types of power of attorneys in Arizona.

1. A health care power of attorney covers all health care decisions and continues as long as you are incapable of making your own decisions.

2. A health care power of attorney deals specifically with issues such as refusing dialysis or needing blood transfusions.

3. It is important that when choosing a medical agent who will act on your behalf, that you sit down and go over with them your exact wishes and make sure that they agree with you. This could be important because if you choose to have something done medically and the medical agent does not agree with it, they might be a little hesitant to have those wishes carried out.

4. In Arizona, a general power of attorney gives very broad directions to your appointed agent to manage your financial and personal affairs.

5. The powers included in a general power of attorney are the ability to operate a business, make gifts, and make living trust transfers, grant a disclaimer power, and handle personal residence.

6. Regarding both types of power of attorneys, you are able to revoke it at any time regardless of the reason. A reason you may want to revoke the power of attorney is because you have changed your mind on who want to be your listed agent, but no mater what the reason is, you must give notice to your current agent listed and let them know that you are having the power of attorney revoked.

7. Do not be alarmed if you are concerned about your agent not following your wishes listed in the power of attorneys. There are agent provisions that are included that clarify issues that are related to how the agent handles your affairs including, misconduct, compensation, and their actions.

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