The principal or the agent can end a health care power of attorney at any time. The way to end it depends on whether the person who wants to end it is the principal or the agent.

There are several ways to end a power of attorney:

• Destroying the document (and any copies),
• Writing a letter that says the principal wants to end the power of attorney relationship,
• Oral statement or other expression to someone who is at least 18 years old, and
• For an electronic health care power of attorney, deleting in a manner indicating intent to revoke.

A health care power of attorney can also be amended by the principal, or other person acting at the direction of the principal.

Destroying the document

The principal can end a health care power of attorney by destroying, burning, or tearing the document and any copies. Doing this must show an intent to end the relationship. 

For example, tearing a small corner off the document won’t show an intent to end the relationship. But tearing the document in half or into pieces will show an intent to end the relationship.

Writing a letter

The principal can end the health care power of attorney by writing a Notice of Revocation. The Notice should be notarized.

Oral statement or other expression

A principal can end a health care power of attorney by saying they want the relationship to end. The principal must do this in front of a witness who is at least 18 years old. The witness must sign and date a writing saying that the principal made the statement.

Electronic Destruction

An electronic health care power of attorney can be revoked following certain technological standards, including ones that meet requirements for digital or electronic signatures.

Ending the power of attorney as an agent

An agent may refuse to act on behalf of the principal for any reason. The agent can end the power of attorney by creating a letter of resignation. The letter should be notarized.