The most important step in advanced care planning is to complete a Healthcare Power of Attorney (“HPOA”). The HPOA determines who can make decisions about your healthcare if you are incapacitated.
Along with the HPOA, a Living Will (also known as an Advance Directive) should be completed. A Living Will gives instructions to health care providers and to your Healthcare Power of Attorney concerning your medical care and/or the withdrawal of life-prolonging measures in certain situations.
MOST is Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment. MOST contains more details and is typically completed when the medical provider tells you that you are going to die within a year.
The HPOA is intended for all ages and can be used even when you are healthy; MOST is intended for the seriously ill who have less than a year to live.
MOST can be completed by you or your Healthcare POA. The HPOA can only be completed by you, not an agent.
Even when you have a MOST completed, it is still important to have a HPOA. The HPOA document should be attached to the MOST document.