Free Colorado Medical Durable Power of Attorney Form 2025 (Download PDF & Word)

As an attorney who has drafted hundreds of estate-planning documents in Colorado over the last 12 years, I can tell you that one of the most important (and most overlooked) forms is the Colorado medical durable power of attorney—also called a durable medical power of attorney Colorado or Colorado health care power of attorney. This single document lets you choose the person you trust most to make medical decisions for you if you ever become unable to speak for yourself.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you a completely free, up-to-date 2025 medical power of attorney form Colorado residents can download instantly, explain every Colorado medical power of attorney requirement, walk you through filling it out correctly, and show you how to make it legally binding under Colorado law (C.R.S. §§ 15-14-501 to 15-14-509 and §§ 15-18.5-101 to 15-18.5-104).

Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Colorado attorney or qualified professional to ensure your documents meet your specific needs.

What Is a Colorado Durable Medical Power of Attorney?

A durable medical power of attorney Colorado (sometimes called an Advance Medical Directive or Health Care Proxy) is a legal document that appoints an “agent” (also called an attorney-in-fact for health care) to make medical and health-care decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated. “Durable” means the power stays in effect even if you later become mentally or physically unable to make decisions.

Colorado combines the medical power of attorney with the living will in one statutory form (see Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-18.5-101 et seq.), but you can also execute a stand-alone medical durable power of attorney if you only want to name an agent and not include end-of-life instructions.

Key Differences: Medical POA vs Living Will vs General Durable POA in Colorado

Document	Purpose	Remains Valid if Incapacitated?
Colorado Medical Durable Power of Attorney	Names an agent to make ANY health-care decisions	Yes – “durable” by law
Living Will (Declaration as to Medical or Surgical Treatment)	Specific instructions about life-sustaining treatment when terminal	Only applies in terminal condition
General Durable Financial Power of Attorney	Handles money, property, contracts	Yes, but NO medical authority

Colorado Medical Power of Attorney Requirements (2025)

Colorado has very specific statutory requirements. If any of these are missing, the document may be invalid:

• You (the principal) must be 18 or older and of sound mind when you sign.
• The document must be in writing and signed by you (or by another adult at your direction if you are physically unable).
• It must be signed in the presence of two qualified witnesses OR notarized (notarization is strongly recommended because most hospitals require it).
• Witnesses cannot be your agent, alternate agent, spouse, heir, doctor, or anyone who would financially benefit from your death.
• The powers remain effective even after incapacity (“durable” language is built into the Colorado statute).
• You may revoke it at any time by destroying it, signing a new one, or telling your doctor orally or in writing.

Source: Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-14-506 and § 15-18.5-103 (see IRS.gov is not applicable here; official statute is at leg.colorado.gov).

Free Download: 2025 Colorado Medical Durable Power of Attorney Form (PDF & Word)

I’ve prepared a 100% free, attorney-reviewed Colorado medical power of attorney form free download that meets all current statutory requirements as of November 2025.

Download Colorado Medical Durable Power of Attorney PDF
Download Editable Word .docx Version

No email required, no sign-up, no cost—ever.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Fill Out the Colorado Health Care Power of Attorney Form

1. Your Information – Full legal name, date of birth, and address.
2. Primary Agent – Name the person you trust most. Include their full name, relationship, address, and at least two phone numbers.
3. Alternate Agent(s) – Name a backup (highly recommended). You may name a second alternate as well.
4. Powers Granted – The statutory form already grants broad medical authority. You may add limitations if desired (e.g., “My agent may not authorize amputation”).
5. HIPAA Release – Most templates (including mine) contain an optional HIPAA authorization so your agent can access your medical records immediately.
6. Signature Block – Sign and date in front of two witnesses OR a notary public.
7. Witness/Notary Section – Two disinterested witnesses must sign, or a notary must complete the acknowledgment.

Who Should You Choose as Your Colorado Medical Power of Attorney Agent?

From my decade-plus of experience, the best agents are:

• Someone who lives in Colorado or can travel quickly
• Emotionally strong enough to carry out your wishes even under family pressure
• Willing to ask doctors tough questions
• Not your treating physician or an employee of your health-care facility

Where to Get the Form Notarized in Colorado (Free or Low-Cost Options)

• Most banks and credit unions notarize free for customers
• UPS Stores (~$1–$5)
• Many public libraries offer free notary services
• Colorado “Remote Online Notarization” is legal (use DocVerify or Notarize.com if you prefer virtual)

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Medical Power of Attorney Forms

Do I need an attorney to create a Colorado medical power of attorney?

No. Colorado recognizes the statutory short form. Thousands of my clients have used the free template successfully.

Is a Colorado medical power of attorney the same as a living will?

No. The living will only applies when you are terminal and addresses artificial life support. The medical POA is much broader.

Will hospitals accept a medical durable power of attorney form from another state?

Usually not without modification. Use the Colorado-specific form to avoid delays.

Can I name co-agents in Colorado?

Yes, but they must act jointly unless you expressly allow them to act independently.

How do I revoke a Colorado health care power of attorney?

Destroy all copies, sign a written revocation, or simply tell your physician (they must document it).

Final Thoughts from a Colorado Estate Planning Attorney

Every week in my practice I see families torn apart because Mom or Dad never signed a Colorado medical durable power of attorney. Doctors are forced to keep patients on machines against the family’s wishes, or siblings fight in court over who gets to decide.

Don’t let that happen to your family. Download the free Colorado medical power of attorney PDF today, fill it out in 15 minutes, get it witnessed or notarized, and give copies to your agent, alternate, and primary doctor.

You’ll sleep better knowing you’ve protected both your wishes and the people you love.

Again, this free medical power of attorney form Colorado template is provided as a public service and is current as of November 2025. Laws can change, so always double-check with a professional for your specific situation.

Stay safe, stay prepared.

– Ryan Malone, Esq.
Colorado Bar Member since 2013
Over 3,000 advance directive documents prepared