West Virginia Medical Power of Attorney Form

A West Virginia medical power of attorney is a form that permits the health care decisions of a person (the principal) to be handled by another person (the representative). The document only gives the representative this power if the principal becomes incapacitated. Being incapacitated means that a person has a condition (e.g., injury to the brain or spine, end-stage illness, or disability) that prevents them from discussing their preferred medical treatment. This medical power of attorney does not become effective unless a physician determines that the principal cannot speak for themselves.

A principal can fill out this form at any time in their life. However, many people complete it to ensure they have someone they trust communicating their health care wishes if they are not able due to a medical emergency. Others create a medical power of attorney before going under general anesthesia (just in case something happens to them during surgery) or after receiving a terminal illness diagnosis.