What a HCP Can and Cannot Do

The most important role of a HCP is ensuring you receive the care and treatment you desire (outlined in your advance directive), when you are unable to speak for yourself or you are incapacitated.  

Your chosen HCP should be comfortable with honoring your medical preferences, even if they do not align with what they would want.

Here are some important details of what a HCP can do:

• access your medical records
• consult health care providers 
• receive your health updates on your condition
• choose or decline treatment, based on your preferences
• follows your advance directive when making medical decisions

What a HCP cannot do:

• they cannot make any financial decisions - you will need a financial power of attorney for finance decisions
• cannot make any non-medical decisions, such as lifestyle and where to live in the future
• should not may any medical decisions that do not align with your wishes
• cannot make decisions for you if you are capable and competent