medical treatment decision maker

A Medical Decision Maker (sometimes called a Medical Power of Attorney) is a person you legally appoint to make health and medical care decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make or communicate them yourself.

They can make decisions about your medical treatment, such as surgery, medication, and end-of-life care. They must always act according to your values, preferences, and best interests in line with your own wishes that you have discussed with them.

You can appoint anyone over 18 years old who you trust completely - usually a partner, close family member, or friend - as long as they understand your wishes and are willing to act on your behalf.

You can only appoint one person as your primary Medical Decision Maker at a time, but you may nominate alternate decision makers who can step in if your first choice cannot act.

Their authority only begins when you are unable to make or communicate your own medical treatment decisions - for example, if you’re unconscious or suffering from cognitive decline.

You must complete a Medical Treatment Decision Maker Appointment form and have it properly signed and witnessed. AusWill can ensure your document is correctly prepared and valid.

Yes. As long as you have decision-making capacity, you can revoke or change your appointment at any time by completing a new form and notifying your previous medical treatment decision maker.

No. They only make medical and health care decisions. Financial and personal matters are managed under an Enduring Power of Attorney.

This may make it difficult for Medical Staff to manage your care. By having a Medical Treatment Decision Maker appointed, Medical teams are clear on the treatment you would want in Medical situations requiring intervention. Your Medical Treatment Decision Maker will make it clear as to what your wishes are about your medical care.

If you don’t appoint one, the law sets out a default hierarchy (usually starting with your spouse, then adult children, then parents). This may not always reflect your personal wishes.