Guide to the Illinois Power of Attorney for Health Care

📄 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

You can use a POA-HC along with a DNR or POLST to ensure your care team follows your wishes.