Michigan Patient Advocate Designation Form
A Michigan patient advocate designation is a form that becomes effective if the creator of the document (the principal) becomes incapacitated or dies. At that time, the patient advocate (appointed by the principal) must inform the principal’s medical team of their treatment or care plan. If the form does not include a principal’s wishes, the patient advocate becomes responsible for making the decisions.
The principal can withdraw the medical power of attorney at any time by completing a revocation form. Termination can occur because of relationship changes, lack of availability, moving to another state, or losing the document. However, the principal or agent can simply decide that they have changed their mind and no longer wish to take on their roles. Otherwise, the form lasts indefinitely, unless the principal chooses to set an expiration date.
The principal can create more than one (1) power of attorney document, however. For instance, they can fill out a general and durable power of attorney, in addition to the advocate designation. They can assign the same agent for each form, although they do not have to. If the principal appoints multiple agents, they must ensure that each party can communicate effectively. Before signing the agreement, the principal must discuss the medical power of attorney with their physician, agent(s), or other authorized parties. A newly completed patient advocate designation overrides any previously-created forms of the same type.
Laws: §§ 700.5501 – 700.5520
Signing requirements (§ 700.5506(4)): Signed in the presence of two (2) witnesses.