You pick someone you trust, who is at least 18 years old, to be your patient advocate. Then you fill out the form in person with two witnesses. Then you and the witnesses sign the form. Under Michigan law, a doctor does not have to honor your Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care form unless two witnesses sign the form.

Your advocate starts to make decisions for you only when your attending doctor and another doctor or a licensed psychologist believe you can no longer make decisions for yourself. Your advocate has the authority to work with your doctors to make the same decisions you would make if you could. These decisions are listed in your Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care form.