When it comes to planning for your medical care in Texas, two key legal documents often come up: the Medical Power of Attorney and the Advance Directive. While they both help ensure your healthcare wishes are honored, they serve different roles. At Haugen Law Firm, P.C., we guide individuals and families across Denton, Collin, Dallas, and Tarrant Counties through these important decisions as part of a thoughtful estate plan.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Medical Power of Attorney?
A Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) allows you to appoint someone you trust—your agent—to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re ever unconscious, mentally incapacitated, or otherwise unable to make those decisions yourself.
Key Features:
- Becomes effective only when you can’t speak for yourself
- Covers a broad range of healthcare decisions
- Can be revoked at any time if you are competent
- Gives peace of mind knowing someone you trust is in charge
Your agent can speak with your doctors, review your medical records, and authorize or refuse treatment based on your best interest and known preferences.
What Is an Advance Directive?
An Advance Directive (also known as a Living Will) is a written statement of your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment if you are diagnosed with a terminal or irreversible condition and unable to communicate.
Key Features:
- Expresses your wishes about end-of-life care
- Used when you are incapacitated and nearing the end of life
- Helps guide doctors and loved ones in difficult situations
It removes the burden of guesswork from your family, clearly spelling out what care you do or do not want.
Why You Need Both
Together, a Medical Power of Attorney and an Advance Directive form a strong medical decision-making plan:
- Your Advance Directive communicates your preferences.
- Your Medical Power of Attorney appoints someone to carry them out—and make additional decisions that might not be covered.
Having both documents ensures your voice is heard, even if you can't speak for yourself.
Protect Your Choices with Haugen Law Firm
At Haugen Law Firm, P.C., we believe that good estate planning includes protecting your medical decisions and easing the burden on your loved ones. Whether you’re preparing for the unexpected or updating an outdated plan, we’re here to help you put the right tools in place—just like we would for our own family. We’re proud to serve families and individuals across Denton, Collin, Cooke, Dallas, and Tarrant Counties with trusted legal guidance in family law, criminal defense, and estate planning. If you have questions about your legal rights or need personalized support, our dedicated team is here to help. Contact us today! .