Power of Attorney for Medical Decision-Making/Hospital Consent

Last updated: February 2, 2026 Type: Affidavit Format Type: Power of Attorney Fill the Affidavit

Disclaimer:

This is only a sample for general understanding and drafting guidance. Users must verify stamp duty, attestation requirements, and hospital policies before executing or relying on any Power of Attorney. Modify the document according to specific facts, state rules, and personal needs.

Purpose and Use of This Medical General Power of Attorney

A Medical GPA allows a trusted person to make treatment decisions when the principal is unconscious or unable to communicate.
Hospitals need someone authorised to sign consent forms; this document allows immediate action.

Why It Is Made

To ensure continuous medical treatment when the patient cannot speak or sign.
To avoid delays in emergencies.
To let a trusted person communicate with doctors, access records, approve procedures, and handle insurance.
To prevent family disputes during crucial moments.

What This GPA Achieves

Quick medical decisions by a trusted person.
Doctors get one authorised decision-maker.
Faster insurance processing.
Smoother hospital shifting, surgery approvals, and billing.

When to Make It

Before major surgeries or planned hospitalisation.
When living alone or away from family.
When elderly or having a chronic illness.
Before travelling, especially abroad.
When preferring clarity in emergencies.

Stamp and Legal Requirements

Execute on non-judicial stamp paper.
Notarisation is strongly recommended.
Registration usually not required.
Attach self-attested ID proofs of principal and attorney.

If the Person Wants to Make It Without an Advocate

Fully valid.
Use a proper format.
Print on state-appropriate stamp paper.
Sign with two witnesses.
Attach ID proofs of principal, attorney, witnesses.
Notarise it.
Keep photocopies for emergencies.

Do's and Don'ts

Do:

Choose a responsible and available person.
Mention powers clearly.
Keep the GPA accessible.
Inform doctor and family.

Don't:

Leave blank spaces.
Authorise unknown persons.
Rely on verbal authorisation.
Forget to update the GPA.

FAQs

1. Does this Medical GPA override my personal consent?: No. Your consent always comes first. GPA acts only when you cannot.
2. Is a Medical GPA valid in emergencies?: Yes. Hospitals accept notarised GPAs.
3. Can the attorney approve surgeries?: Yes, if the GPA authorises it.
4. Does the attorney get control over property or bank accounts?: No. It is limited to medical matters.
5. Can I cancel this Medical GPA later?: Yes. You can revoke it anytime.
6. Is notarisation compulsory?: Not compulsory, but highly practical.
7. Does the GPA expire automatically?: Valid until revoked or replaced.
8. Can I appoint more than one person?: You can, but it slows decision-making.
9. Is this GPA accepted by hospitals and insurance companies?: Yes, if stamped, signed, witnessed, and preferably notarised.
10. Does it permit life-support decisions?: Yes, if specifically mentioned.
11. What if the attorney misuses the power?: You can revoke the GPA and take legal action.
12. Does this need to be produced in court?: No, unless there is a dispute.

Downloads & Resources

Power of Attorney: Medical Decision-Making/Hospital Consent (345.21 KB)

Legal Affidavit Document

GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS THAT I, ___, Date of Birth: ___, ___ ___, Residing at ___, Presently employed ___, DO HEREBY NOMINATE, APPOINT AND CONSTITUTE

___, Date of Birth: ___, ___ ___, Residing at ___, AS MY ATTORNEY IN MY NAME AND ON MY BEHALF for medical decision-making and hospital-related matters as detailed below.

POWERS GRANTED

Make decisions regarding medical treatment, hospital admission, discharge, surgeries, diagnostics, and emergency care.
Sign admission forms, consent forms, surgery approvals, anaesthesia consents, blood transfusion and ICU consents.
Discuss medical condition, prognosis, and treatment with doctors and healthcare staff.
Access medical records, prescriptions, investigation reports, and discharge summaries.
Approve or refuse procedures, medications, treatment plans, or life-support interventions.
Arrange hospital shifting, ambulance services, discharge, and re-admission formalities.
Manage billing matters including deposits, estimates, settlements, refunds, and receipts.
Coordinate with insurance companies for cashless treatment or reimbursement claims.
Receive medical certificates, reports, summaries, insurance approvals, and claim documents.
Coordinate with diagnostic centres, laboratories, nursing, and paramedical services.
Engage, consult, or change doctors, specialists, or hospitals when required.
Decide matters related to home care, nursing, physiotherapy, or rehabilitation.
Perform all acts incidental or necessary for medical treatment and hospital care.

The Attorney shall act in good faith and always prioritise my best interest.

The Principal hereby revokes all earlier powers relating to medical matters and agrees to ratify all lawful acts done by the Attorney.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Principal has signed this General Power of Attorney at ___ on this day ___.

WITNESSES

1. Name: ___
Address: ___

2. Name: ___
Address: ___

PRINCIPAL
Signature: ___
Name: ___