Illinois Medical Power of Attorney Form
An Illinois medical power of attorney is a document that allows an agent to make health-related choices for a principal. This form gives the principal peace of mind knowing that a trustworthy and reliable agent will carry out their wishes if they are unable (due to incapacitation or death). An agent may be responsible for arranging life-sustaining treatment, hospital or home care, as well as organ and body donation. They must consider the principal’s spiritual, cultural, or religious beliefs while making these decisions. If the principal has an active living will, the agent must follow the instructions written in the living will before making their medical decisions.
A principal can revoke the form if they need to make changes or assign a new agent. They can also appoint one (1) or more successor agents in the original document. Successor agents act in place of the primary agent if they cannot carry out the tasks assigned in the medical power of attorney. Otherwise, the primary agent is responsible for:
- Communicating with doctors (or other health team members) about the principal’s condition;
- Viewing medical history and determining who also has access;
- Allow or deny medical testing, medication, operations, or other treatments;
- Choosing the location of care and doctor(s);
- Accepting, withdrawing, or declining life-sustaining treatment;
- Deciding whether or not to donate principal’s organs or their whole body;
- Determining body disposal preferences; and/or
- Talking with the principal’s relatives or close friends to determine which choices would best align most with their wishes.
Laws: 755 ILCS 35/3 and 755 ILCS 45/4-10
Signing requirements (755 ILCS 45/4-5.1): The principal must sign the medical power of attorney in front of one (1) witness who meets the requirements. Notarization is not required.