Guide to the Illinois Power of Attorney for Health Care
Power of Attorney form allows you to legally choose someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can’t speak for yourself. This form ensures your care aligns with your values and wishes during serious illness or end-of-life situations
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📄 Download the Fillable PDF Form
You can complete the official Illinois POA for Health Care form here:
👉 Download the fillable Illinois Power of Attorney for Health Care PDF
What Is It?
The Illinois POA for Health Care is a legal document that:
Lets you name a health care agent to make decisions when you cannot.
Grants that person authority to talk with your doctors, approve or deny treatment, and ensure care matches your values.
Includes optional guidance for life-sustaining treatments and body donation.
When Should I Use It?
Complete this form if:
You want control over who makes decisions for you in a health crisis.
You want to avoid confusion or disagreements among loved ones.
You have specific preferences for end-of-life care, pain management, or organ donation.
What Does It Cover?
Once in effect, your health care agent can:
Speak with your doctors and review your records.
Approve or decline treatments (like surgery or medications).
Choose where you receive care.
Make end-of-life choices (e.g., feeding tubes, CPR).
Donate your organs or body if you haven’t already arranged this.
Decide what happens to your remains (burial, cremation, etc.).
You can also:
Add instructions about life support or comfort care.
Limit your agent’s authority.
Who Should I Choose?
Your agent should be:
Over 18 years old.
Someone you trust to respect your wishes—even under stress.
Comfortable discussing care with doctors.
Willing to act when needed.
You can also name successor agents as backups.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
No lawyer or notary is required. Just make sure:
You sign the form in front of a qualified witness.
The witness is not your agent, doctor, or a close family member.
What Do I Do With the Form?
Give copies to your agent(s), family, and doctor.
Take a copy to the hospital if you’re admitted.
Keep one accessible at home.
Can I Change My Mind?
Yes. You can revoke it at any time by:
Telling an adult you've changed your mind.
Completing a new POA-HC form.
Optionally choosing a 30-day waiting period for revocation to take effect.
POA vs. DNR vs. POLST
Form | Purpose |
POA-HC | Names someone to make decisions for you if you can’t |
DNR | Medical order to not perform CPR if your heart stops |
POLST | Medical order that outlines preferences for life-sustaining care in serious illness |
You can use a POA-HC along with a DNR or POLST to ensure your care team follows your wishes.
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