Temporary Power Of Attorney

Q: How do I go about getting a temporary power of attorney? What exactly *is* a temporary power of attorney? This makes me wonder...... When my children go on school field trips, where I sign a paper that says they can seek emergency treatment if necessary, does that mean that the school can't actually get emergency treatment?

A: you aren't *required* to have anything, but in the event of an emergency, you may find having the child's health insurance information and a notarized "minor authorization" letter. The letter is pretty much this: ************************************ I, ___(PARENT'S NAME)___, hereby authorize ___(YOUR NAME)___ to have care, custody and control of my minor children ___(CHILDRENS NAMES AND AGES)___, and to act and contract on their behalf in connection with the vacation commencing on ___(DATE)___ Signed: ___(PARENT'S SIGNATURE)___ Date: ___(DATE SIGNED)___ State of ___________ County of________________ Subscribed and sworn to before me this day of ___(month)___

of ___(year)___, by Notary Public A really strict hospital or doctor may not even accept a durable power of attorney without investigating its validity. Regardless, they are required by law to provide necessary treatment in a life-threatening situation, regardless of what documentation you do or do not have. Of course its more likely that the situation would be less of an emergency, such as the child having a mild allergic reaction. The doctor still could refuse to administer or prescribe drugs without the parent's permission, even if you have a notarized power of attorney or "authorization form". I guess it's just a result of today's litigious society.