A medical power of attorney, otherwise known as a patient advocate designation in Michigan, is a form that allows the principal to appoint a surrogate or patient advocate, to make medical treatment decisions if and when the principal cannot partipate in the decisions making for medical treatment.

The scope and range of the patient advocate is outliend in the written document.  Included in the patient advocate designation may be living will language along with a HIPAA clause that allows the release of medical information.