Designation of Agent

• Designate an agent, or a person who will act on your behalf when making medical decisions regarding your children. Consider designating an alternate agent in case your first choice proves unable or unwilling to perform the duties outlined in the document. The Texas Medical Association recommends your agent be a trusted individual that has knowledge of your wishes.
  
  

Limitation on Authority

• If no limitations on the authority of your agent exists, simply state none. Limitations of authority must be specified in the document. An example of a limitation includes no surgical procedures with the exception of emergency situations.
  
  

Duration

• Specify the intended duration of the power of attorney. For example, if you plan to go on vacation and wish your parents to have medical power of attorney regarding your children, state the time period of your trip. You can revoke a power of attorney at any time.
  
  

Execution

• According to most state probate codes, two unrelated witnesses and a notary must witness you sign the document and attest to your signature, intent and soundness of mind. You must also indicate you have read and understood any disclosure as to the effects of signing a medical power of attorney contained in the document.
  
  

Importance

• The many benefits to a medical power of attorney for your children include the assurance and peace of mind that your children are always cared for if not in your presence.