A medical power of attorney is a legal document specifically naming an agent to make health care decisions should the creator of the document be unable to do so. Typically the medical power of attorney states exactly what decisions can be made and what creator's exact desires are involving such decisions as feeding tubes, resuscitation and other life-saving treatments. A medical power of attorney should be part of an estate plan or final documents and should be made known to the person being named and to the creator's physician, additionally, some hospitals will keep them on file in the event of emergency. The medical power of attorney should specifically state when the power of attorney is engaged and under what circumstances the power is terminated.