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Free Alaska Medical Power of Attorney Form

An Alaska medical power of attorney names the person who makes health care decisions for you if you can't. Answer a few questions, and our customizable template lays out Alaska's signing options for you.

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  • E-sign included

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Fill In Your Details

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What Is a Medical Power of Attorney in Alaska?

In Alaska, a medical power of attorney is called a durable power of attorney for health care. Under the Health Care Decisions Act, it lets your agent make any health care decision you could have made yourself, and it keeps working after you lose capacity.

What the Alaska Health Care Decisions Act Requires

Alaska Statutes § 13.52.010 sets out how to create a valid document. Here is what it means in practice.

Put It in Writing and Date It

Your document must be written, signed by you, and dated. An undated form does not meet the statute.

Pick One of Two Signing Methods

You can choose either route:

  • Two witnesses who personally know you, each of whom watches you sign or hears you acknowledge your signature
  • A notary public, as long as you acknowledge the document at a place in Alaska

Know Who Cannot Witness

None of these people can act as a witness:

  • A health care provider employed where you are receiving care
  • An employee of your provider, or of the facility treating you
  • Your agent

At least one of your two witnesses also must be someone who is not related to you and who would not inherit from you.

Some Facility Staff Cannot Be Your Agent

If you are receiving care in an institution, its owners, operators, and employees cannot serve as your agent. The exception is a person related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Do Witnesses Have to Know You Personally in Alaska?

Yes, Alaska requires witnesses who personally know you. Alaska’s statute asks for two witnesses who are “personally known by the principal.” A stranger at the front desk will not qualify, so plan ahead for who will sign.

If finding two acquaintances is hard, the notary route is often simpler. If you sign your Alaska medical power of attorney before a notary, keep in mind that the statute’s notary option is written for acknowledgments made at a place in Alaska.

When Your Agent's Authority Starts

Unless your document says otherwise, your agent only takes over once someone determines you lack capacity. Your primary physician usually makes that call. When your capacity returns, the agent’s authority stops again.

How to Sign Your Alaska Medical Power of Attorney

Use these steps to complete your Alaska medical power of attorney form:

  1. Name your agent and, if you like, an alternate.
  2. Add any instructions or limits on the decisions your agent can make.
  3. Decide whether you will use two witnesses or a notary in Alaska.
  4. Sign and date the document in front of your witnesses or the notary.
  5. Check that at least one witness is unrelated to you and not an heir.
  6. Give copies to your agent and your primary physician.

What to Include in Your Alaska Form

Alaska provides an optional sample form in its statutes, so you do not have to follow a set layout. A clear Alaska medical power of attorney usually covers:

  • Your agent and any alternates
  • Any instructions about treatments you do or do not want
  • Whether the agent’s authority starts right away or only after a capacity decision
  • An optional nomination of a guardian, which Alaska law allows

Your agent must follow your instructions and known wishes. Otherwise, they decide based on your best interest and personal values. Their decisions take effect without a court’s approval.