A Medical Power of Attorney is authorized by Texas Health and Safety Code sections 166.163 and 166.164. Every adult has the right to make their own medical decisions, or to refuse medical care. A medical power of attorney is an important document that appoints someone you trust to help you obtain medical care and with medical decisions, taking your concerns and preferences into account. The person you appoint can then help you make medical decisions in the event you are not able to communicate. The person you appoint cannot have you committed to a mental institution or consent to an abortion. Additionally, your appointed person would then have access to your other medical records in order to obtain medical care for you. Every person should have these documents.