What is involved in appointing "medical power of .......?

You can find forms for this on line. Yes, the person exercising the power of attorney would have to be an adult (and wouldn't you want him to be?). It does not need to be a relative, but it must be somebody you trust to make decisions for you. The powers that the person would have would be those which you give him or her in the document you sign. However, the usual use of this is to allow somebody to make medical decisions for you if you are incapacitated. This is sometimes called a "springing" power of attorney, because it cannot be exercised until you are unable to make your own decisions, when it "springs" into operability.

You should not need an attorney to do this IF you AND the person you are designating both fully understand the form and the implications of giving and accepting the power. Remember that this person is literally going to be able to make life and death decisions for you, so be very clear in the document what kind of decisions you want him to make (e.g., should he have to wait a particular length of time before "pulling the plug"?).

That said, it is extremely important that everybody have this kind of document (as well as a will) prepared and signed. My mother gave me her medical power of attorney, and this made all the difference during her final illness.

No, you can download the form for your state at

www.uslegalforms.com

The POA allows you to make medical decisions as if you were the person. If they are currently unable to sign such a thing, due to medical or mental ailments, it's too late. That's why you need one when you're healthy.

The person can make all *legal* decisions about a person's medical treatment and condition.

It need not be a relative but the person in question needs to consent.

The person has to be of legal age, they can be anyone, it does not have to be a relation. The power is what ever power it names, but would normally allow them to speak on your behalf if you are not able to, it would allow them to ok operations, medication, treatments and also to terminate treatment (pull the plug)

States very as for as number of witnesses and/or notory

You can get forms done on varoius web sites,

www.legalforms.com is just one of dozens

You can get forms form staples or office depo

And there are dozens of legal programs with these forms available.

Sir J's answer above is a good one. Also any hospital physician should be able to provide you with a form and tell you about it.