A West Virginia medical power of attorney allows an individual to choose a healthcare representative. They authorize the representative (or “agent”) to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. The agent acts according to the principal’s desires and respects their preferences.
Laws
- Statute: Chapter 16, Article 30
- Signing Requirements: Two witnesses and a notary public (§ 16-30-4).
- The witnesses may not pay for the principal’s health care or be related to the principal by blood or marriage.
- Revocation: You can revoke the medical power of attorney in one of the following ways:
- destroy it
- notify your health care provider in writing
- verbally ask for a revocation in the presence of a witness and have them relay the request to your health care provider
- receive a final divorce decree (only applicable if the agent is your former spouse) (§ 16-30-18).
Sample
