A Washington, DC Advance Health Care Directive (also known as a medical power of attorney or health care proxy) is a legal document used to appoint someone (referred to as an agent) to make medical decisions on your behalf. Your agent’s authority only begins after you’ve been declared incompetent and unable to communicate your wishes by your doctor — for example, if you fall into a coma.
Power of attorney laws vary by state. So, you need to download the medical power of attorney form specific to Washington D.C.
A medical POA is just one type of power of attorney. For example, a financial POA is used to elect an agent to make financial decisions for you.