Healthcare & Financial Directives
Power of Attorney
Durable POA, Advance Directives, Living Wills & DNR — Protecting Your Wishes
Your Voice When You Cannot Speak
What Happens If You Are Incapacitated?
Without a power of attorney in place, your loved ones may be legally powerless to help — or forced to go to court to gain authority to make decisions on your behalf. McCann Law helps Oklahoma residents put the right documents in place before they are ever needed. If tragedy strikes, you and your family will be protected.
Durable Power of Attorney
Authorizes someone you trust to manage your finances even if you become incapacitated. Covers banking, real estate, investments, and more.
Advance Directive / Living Will
A formal document that allows you to direct the preferred way that your life be prolonged either artificially or by extraordinary measures when recovery is not expected.
DNR Order
A standalone document authorizing healthcare providers to withhold CPR. Mike guides you through whether this fits your specific circumstances.
Health Care Power of Attorney
Legal document by which you designate how your medical preferences are to be considered and who may make medical decisions on your behalf during temporary or long-term incapacity.
Durable Power of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) remains in effect even after you become mentally incapacitated — exactly when you need it most. Oklahoma has adopted the Uniform Durable Power of Attorney Act.
Your DPOA can authorize your agent to handle:
- Real property transactions
- Banking and investment accounts
- Tax matters and retirement plans
- Social Security and Medicare benefits
- Business operating decisions
Important: Financial decisions and medical decisions live in separate documents.
Advance Directives & Living Wills
An Advance Directive is a healthcare power of attorney that takes effect when you are unable to make medical decisions for yourself. It names a healthcare proxy and documents your wishes about life-sustaining treatment.
Advance Directives cover three specific scenarios:
- Terminal Condition — incurable illness expected to cause death within six months
- Coma / Persistent Vegetative State — unconscious with no likelihood of recovery
- End-Stage Condition — severe, permanent deterioration where treatment is medically ineffective
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders
A DNR order instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if your heart stops. In Oklahoma, there is a statutory form — only limited changes can be made.
A DNR is not for everyone. Mike view: it should be considered only in special circumstances. For an elderly patient with terminal heart disease, it may be absolutely right. For a healthy 40-year-old, it would not be appropriate.
The decision belongs to you and your family.
HIPAA Authorization
A HIPAA Authorization allows your designated agents to access your medical records — critical when they need to exercise the powers you have granted them in your POA or Advance Directive.
Without a HIPAA authorization, doctors and hospitals may not be allowed to share information with your chosen decision-maker. McCann Law includes HIPAA authorizations as part of your complete estate plan.
Protect Your Future Decisions
Put the right documents in place before you ever need them. Call Mike McCann.