The primary difference between Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives is that a POA is designated to make decisions on your behalf. A Health Care Directive on the other hand is simply a document that lists your medical preferences and instructions in certain scenarios. It can be referenced when making decisions about your health, but it’s not an appointed agent that can make thoughtful decisions regarding more complex health care issues.
For this reason, it is a good idea to have both in place when planning for your future.
Note: The information in this blog is not legal advice. Consult a lawyer for advice for your situation.