The Maryland Power of Attorney document is a legally backed document that allows an individual to transfer his or her decision-making authority to a person they trust. Circumstances and reasons vary for the use of power of attorney documents. Sometimes a Principal (the individual who is appointing another person to make these decisions) may need someone to make important healthcare decisions when he or she is unable, or perhaps the Principal is in need of someone to care for their children while they are deployed in the military. Because of the various needs that a Principal may have, power of attorney documents come in multiple forms, allowing for maximum versatility. In Maryland, all power of attorney documents must conform to Title 17 of the Maryland Revised Statutes, which requires these types of documents to first and foremost be voluntary. This means that the Principal may not be coerced or persuaded. Furthermore, all power of attorney documents must be dated, signed, and in writing; these agreements may not be verbal. Additionally, here are the remaining requirements for a legal Maryland Power of Attorney:

• The document must be witnessed by at least two (2) competent individuals.
• This type of arrangement must be communicated to the physician who is caring for the Principal. In turn, this agreement will be made a part of the Principal’s medical records.