General (Financial) Power of Attorney

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Category

Supporting Individuals With Disabilities – Decision Making Supports or Supports for Decision Making

Course Description

This course outlines the essential aspects of a general or financial power of attorney. This course provides the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively utilize a general or financial power of attorney, ensuring your interests are protected and your
wishes are respected.

Intended Audience

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the general (financial) power of attorney. This includes individuals considering signing a power of attorney and individuals named as an agent in a power of attorney. It also includes healthcare professionals,
aging and disability service providers, social workers, financial professionals, and others who encounter general (financial) powers of attorney in their work.

Course Objectives

During this course, we will:

  • Define what a general or financial power of attorney is,
  • List the advantages of having a power of attorney,
  • Review what decisions an agent can make,
  • Describe how an agent makes decisions, and
  • Identify how a power of attorney can be revoked.

Length

12 minutes

Course Content

Key topics include:

  • Definition and Advantages,
  • Decision-Making Authority,
  • Decision-Making Process, and
  • Revocation Process.

Competencies

N/A

Presenters and Content Experts

Jennifer Donovan, JD, State Public Guardian, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Meredith Saltzman, JD, Deputy Public Guardian, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Jayna Grauerholz, JD, Legal Assistance Developer, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services as well as board members of the Guardian Association of Iowa Network (GAIN) for their assistance in content review.

This training was supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $24,999 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the
author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

The information contained in this course is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The law can change, so information in this course may not reflect the most up-to-date legal information. You should consult an attorney for advice about your specific legal matter. Use of and access to this course does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the authors of this course. This course contains links to other third-party websites. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is not responsible for the content of those websites. Inclusion of links to other websites is for your information and convenience and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.