Legal Question in Elder Law in Washington

Re: Power of Attorney

The word durable means the instrument is designed to outlast the competency of the principal.

The word general in this context means the power do do whatever needs to be done for the principal, but no matter what adjective is used, if the instrument is not properly drafted it can be ineffective if it does not address the Health Care Information Privacy and Portability Act (HIPPA).

In other words, it might effectively allow the attorney in fact to handle finances, but not allow the attorney in fact to learn about the principal's health care issues so as to be able to make good health care decisions for the principal.

Don't hesitate to call me if you need more help with this. Elizabeth Powell