72-31-309. When power of attorney effective. (1) A power of attorney is effective when executed unless the principal provides in the power of attorney that it becomes effective at a future date or upon the occurrence of a future event or contingency.
(2) If a power of attorney becomes effective upon the occurrence of a future event or contingency, the principal, in the power of attorney, may authorize one or more persons to determine in a writing or other record that the event or contingency has occurred.
(3) If a power of attorney becomes effective upon the principal's incapacity and the principal has not authorized a person to determine whether the principal is incapacitated or the person authorized is unable or unwilling to make the determination, the power of attorney becomes effective upon a determination in a writing or other record by:
(a) a physician that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning of 72-31-302(5)(a); or
(b) an attorney at law, a judge, or an appropriate governmental official that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning of 72-31-302(5)(b).
(4) A person authorized by the principal in the power of attorney to determine that the principal is incapacitated may act as the principal's personal representative pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, sections 1171 through 1179 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1320d, et seq., and applicable regulations to obtain access to the principal's health care information and communicate with the principal's health care provider.
History: En. Sec. 8, Ch. 109, L. 2011.
Structure Montana Code Annotated
Title 72. Estates, Trusts, and Fiduciary Relationships
Chapter 31. Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Fiduciaries
Part 3. Uniform Power of Attorney Act
72-31-304. Power of attorney is durable
72-31-305. Execution of power of attorney
72-31-306. Validity of power of attorney
72-31-307. Meaning and effect of power of attorney
72-31-308. Nomination of conservator or guardian -- relation of agent to court-appointed fiduciary
72-31-309. When power of attorney effective
72-31-310. Termination of power of attorney or agent's authority
72-31-311. through 72-31-315 reserved
72-31-316. Coagents or successor agents
72-31-317. Reimbursement and compensation of agent
72-31-320. Exoneration of agent
72-31-323. Agent's resignation -- notice
72-31-324. Acceptance of and reliance upon acknowledged power of attorney
72-31-325. Liability for refusal to accept acknowledged power of attorney
72-31-326. Principles of law and equity
72-31-327. Laws applicable to financial institutions and entities
72-31-328. Remedies under other law
72-31-329. through 72-31-335 reserved
72-31-336. Authority that requires specific grant -- grant of general authority
72-31-337. Incorporation of authority
72-31-338. Construction of authority generally
72-31-340. Tangible personal property
72-31-342. Commodities and options
72-31-343. Banks and other financial institutions
72-31-344. Operation of entity or business
72-31-345. Insurance and annuities
72-31-346. Estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests
72-31-347. Claims and litigation
72-31-348. Personal and family maintenance
72-31-349. Benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service
72-31-353. Statutory form power of attorney
72-31-354. Agent's certification
72-31-355. through 72-31-364 reserved
72-31-365. Uniformity of application and construction
72-31-366. Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act