It’s a common misconception that a power of attorney is only for the elderly or for end-of-life planning. The truth is, a medical emergency can happen at any age. A medical power of attorney in Arkansas is a crucial document for any adult, giving you a say in your healthcare even if you can’t communicate. It appoints a person you trust to make decisions based on your values and wishes. This guide will walk you through what this document is, why it’s so important, and how to create one, clearing up the myths you can find in our Probate FAQ.
Key Takeaways
- Give Your Agent a Roadmap: A Medical Power of Attorney chooses who makes decisions for you, while a living will explains what you want. Using both documents together provides a complete plan, giving your trusted agent clear instructions to follow during a crisis.
- Make It Official to Make It Work: Your MPOA is only effective if it meets Arkansas’s legal standards. This means using the correct state form, signing with two unrelated witnesses, and including a HIPAA release so your agent can access your medical information without delay.
- Select an Advocate, Not Just a Relative: The best agent is someone who can be assertive and level-headed under pressure. Have a frank conversation to ensure they’re willing to take on the role, and always name an alternate agent as a crucial backup plan.
What is a Medical Power of Attorney in Arkansas?
A Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) is a legal document that lets you choose a trusted person, known as an agent or healthcare proxy, to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to communicate them yourself. Think of it as your voice for healthcare when you can’t speak. This isn’t just for end-of-life care; it can be crucial if you’re temporarily unconscious after an accident or under anesthesia for surgery. It gives someone you trust the authority to talk to doctors, review your medical records, and approve treatments on your behalf.
Choosing an agent is a deeply personal decision. This person will be responsible for interpreting your wishes and making choices about everything from routine treatments to life-sustaining procedures. The MPOA is a core part of a comprehensive set of estate solutions, ensuring your health and well-being are managed by someone you trust, no matter what happens. It works alongside other documents, like a living will, to provide a full picture of your wishes. This preparation gives you and your family clarity and peace of mind, knowing that a plan is in place for any medical scenario.
Why This Document is So Important
Having a Medical Power of Attorney is one of the most considerate things you can do for your loved ones. During a medical emergency, emotions and stress run high. This document removes the guesswork and potential for conflict among family members who might disagree on the best course of action. It ensures your specific healthcare wishes are respected and followed.
For medical professionals, an MPOA provides a clear point of contact, allowing them to act quickly and confidently in your best interest. Without it, doctors may have to wait for a court-appointed guardian, delaying critical care. This simple document provides a clear roadmap for your care, easing the burden on everyone involved during an already difficult time. If you need help understanding how this fits into your overall planning, getting guidance from an attorney can be a great next step.
When Does It Take Effect?
In Arkansas, a Medical Power of Attorney becomes legally effective the moment you sign it. This surprises many people who assume it only kicks in when they are incapacitated. While your agent has the authority immediately, they are legally and ethically bound to act only when your doctor determines you can no longer make or communicate your own healthcare decisions.
This immediate effect is a safeguard. It ensures there is no gap or delay in decision-making authority if you suddenly become ill or injured. Your agent can step in right away to speak for you, preventing confusion and ensuring your care continues without interruption. Understanding these kinds of legal terms and timelines is key to feeling secure in your planning.
Medical Power of Attorney vs. a Living Will: What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to get a Medical Power of Attorney and a living will mixed up, but they play two very different, very important roles in your healthcare plan. Think of it this way: a Medical Power of Attorney is about the who, and a living will is about the what.
A Medical Power of Attorney is a legal document where you choose a trusted person, called an agent or healthcare proxy, to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to speak for yourself. This could happen because of a serious illness, an accident, or another medical issue that leaves you incapacitated. Your agent steps in to be your voice.
A living will, on the other hand, is a set of written instructions for specific medical situations. It outlines your wishes regarding treatments like life support, feeding tubes, and other end-of-life care. While it’s incredibly useful, it can’t possibly cover every medical scenario that might come up. That’s where the Medical Power of Attorney shines—it gives your agent the flexibility to handle new decisions and unexpected circumstances, guided by what they know about you and your values. You can find more definitions of key terms in our Probate FAQ.
Who Makes the Call: Your Agent or Your Instructions?
So, when a decision needs to be made, who has the final say? Your agent’s job is to act on your behalf, but their power is strictly limited to your medical care. They can’t touch your finances or handle other legal matters unless you’ve given them that authority in a separate document. Their power to make healthcare choices for you lasts your entire life and remains in effect even if you become incapacitated. Your agent should always follow the instructions in your living will first. For anything not covered in that document, they’ll use their judgment to make the call they believe you would want.
How They Work Together for Your Protection
Having both a Medical Power of Attorney and a living will creates a strong safety net. These documents work together to make sure your wishes for medical care are known and followed, even when you can’t communicate them yourself. This isn’t just about protecting you; it’s also a gift to your family. When your loved ones have clear guidance on your medical preferences and know who is designated to make decisions, it can relieve a huge amount of stress and prevent disagreements during an already emotional time. It’s a key part of our comprehensive estate solutions that brings peace of mind to everyone involved.
What Are the Legal Requirements in Arkansas?
When you create a Medical Power of Attorney, you’re giving someone else the authority to make incredibly personal decisions for you. To make sure your wishes are protected and legally binding, Arkansas has a specific set of rules you need to follow. Think of these requirements not as hurdles, but as safeguards designed to confirm that the document truly reflects your intentions and was created without pressure or confusion.
Getting these details right is non-negotiable. An improperly prepared document can be challenged or even invalidated, which is the last thing your family needs during a medical crisis. From using the correct form to having the right people witness your signature, each step is crucial. We’ll walk through the four key legal requirements you need to know: the official document rules, witness qualifications, how mental capacity is established, and the importance of including HIPAA authorization. Following these guidelines ensures your agent can act on your behalf smoothly when the time comes. If you find yourself dealing with estate matters and need guidance, our team at My Arkansas Probate offers estate solutions to help you through the process.
Age and Written Document Rules
First things first, you must be an adult (18 or older) and of sound mind to create a Medical Power of Attorney. This isn’t a document you can create with a simple handshake or verbal agreement; it has to be in writing. More specifically, Arkansas has an official form you should use. According to legal experts, “In Arkansas, you need to use the official ‘Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care’ form.” Using the state-approved document ensures all necessary legal language is included, which helps prevent any confusion or challenges to its validity down the road. It’s the clearest way to make your healthcare wishes legally enforceable.
Who Can (and Can’t) Be a Witness
Your signature on the Medical Power of Attorney needs to be witnessed, and Arkansas has strict rules about who can fill this role. “You must sign the document in front of two adult witnesses. These witnesses cannot be your chosen agent or related to you by blood or marriage.” This rule is in place to ensure impartiality. The witnesses are there to confirm that you are signing the document willingly and are not being coerced. By prohibiting your agent or relatives from being witnesses, the law protects you from potential conflicts of interest and adds a layer of security, confirming that your decisions are truly your own.
Proving Mental Capacity
A Medical Power of Attorney only goes into effect when you are no longer able to make or communicate your own healthcare decisions. This is a critical point: your agent doesn’t just take over the moment you sign the paper. Instead, the document is activated when a physician determines you lack the necessary mental capacity. While rules vary slightly by state, a common practice is that the power becomes effective when your physician certifies in writing that you can no longer make these decisions for yourself. This process ensures your autonomy is respected for as long as possible, and your agent only steps in when medically necessary.
Including HIPAA Authorization
Even with a valid Medical Power of Attorney, your agent could hit a major roadblock: privacy laws. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) prevents healthcare providers from sharing your medical information without your consent. That’s why it’s essential that your document includes explicit HIPAA authorization language. Without it, “hospitals may refuse to share your medical information with them.” This could leave your agent unable to access test results, speak with your doctors, or get the information they need to make informed decisions that align with your wishes. Including this clause gives them the access they need to do their job effectively.
How to Create Your Medical Power of Attorney in 4 Steps
Creating a Medical Power of Attorney is a proactive step to ensure your healthcare preferences are respected. While it might seem like a complex legal task, the process in Arkansas is straightforward when you break it down. It’s about making your wishes clear and choosing the right person to speak for you when you can’t. Following these four steps will help you create a legally sound document that gives you and your family peace of mind. This is a key part of a comprehensive estate plan, ensuring all your affairs are in order. If you have questions about how this fits into the larger probate process, we have resources to help guide you. Taking the time to get this right now prevents confusion and difficult decisions for your loved ones down the road.
Step 1: Choose Your Agent Wisely
This is the most important decision you’ll make in this process. Your agent is the person you authorize to make medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated. You need to pick someone you trust completely, who is at least 18 years old, and who understands your values and healthcare wishes. Think about someone who is level-headed under pressure and will advocate for you fiercely. It’s not just about picking a close family member; it’s about choosing the person best equipped for the role. Have an open conversation with your potential agent to make sure they are comfortable accepting this significant responsibility before you put their name on any forms.
Step 2: Fill Out the Official Form
In Arkansas, you can’t just write your wishes on a piece of paper. You must use the official “Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care” form to ensure your document is legally valid. Using the state-approved form guarantees that you’ve included all the necessary information and authorizations, like HIPAA releases, which allow your agent to access your medical records. You can typically find this form online through legal resource websites or by consulting with a legal professional. Take your time filling it out, and be as specific as you feel is necessary about your wishes for medical treatment. If you need help finding the right legal expert, our attorney information page is a great place to start.
Step 3: Sign It with the Right Witnesses
For your Medical Power of Attorney to be legally binding, it must be signed correctly. You need to sign the document in the presence of two adult witnesses. The rules for who can be a witness are very specific to prevent any conflicts of interest. Your witnesses cannot be the agent you appointed, and they cannot be related to you by blood or marriage. They also cannot be someone who is entitled to any part of your estate. The witnesses are there to confirm that you are signing the document willingly and appear to be of sound mind. This formal step is what makes your document official and enforceable.
Step 4: Share and Store Your Copies Safely
A completed Medical Power of Attorney is only effective if the right people know it exists and can access it when needed. Once it’s signed and witnessed, make several copies. Give one to your agent, your alternate agent, your primary care physician, and any other specialists you see regularly. You should also ask your doctor to make it part of your permanent medical record. Keep the original document in a safe but accessible place where your agent or family can find it easily—not in a safe deposit box they can’t open. Inform your loved ones where it is. Proper storage is a simple but critical part of our estate solutions advice.
How to Choose the Right Agent
Choosing the person who will make medical decisions for you is arguably the most important step in this entire process. This individual, known as your agent, will be your voice when you can’t speak for yourself. It’s a role that requires a deep level of trust, a clear understanding of your values, and the strength to advocate for your wishes, even under pressure. This isn’t about picking your favorite relative or your oldest child by default. It’s about thoughtfully selecting the one person who you believe will honor your choices without hesitation.
Think about who in your life is level-headed, reliable, and not afraid to ask tough questions. Your agent will be communicating with doctors, reviewing medical records, and potentially making life-or-death decisions based on the guidance you provide in your MPOA. It’s a heavy responsibility, so you need to be sure the person you choose is willing and able to carry it. Before you finalize your choice, it’s essential to have a direct and honest conversation with them to ensure they are comfortable with the role. It’s also wise to name a backup, or alternate agent, in case your first choice is unable to serve for any reason.
Key Qualities to Look For
When you’re thinking about who to choose, look beyond your relationship with the person and focus on their character. The best agent is someone you trust completely to put your wishes first. According to Arkansas legal guidelines, you should pick someone you trust who is at least 18 years old and truly understands what you want for your medical care.
Your ideal agent should be:
- Assertive: They need to be a strong advocate for you and not be easily swayed by emotional family members or intimidating medical staff.
- Level-headed: They should be able to remain calm and make clear decisions in stressful, emotional situations.
- Attentive: They must be willing to listen carefully to your wishes now and be able to recall them later.
- Available: Ideally, they live nearby and can be physically present for you if needed.
Important Questions to Ask a Potential Agent
Once you have someone in mind, you need to have a serious conversation. Don’t just assume they’re willing to take on this role. Sit down with them and be completely open about your wishes and their responsibilities. This isn’t a one-time chat; it’s an ongoing dialogue to ensure they are always clear on your preferences.
Here are a few questions to get the conversation started:
- Are you comfortable making decisions about my medical care based on my written instructions, even if you personally disagree with them?
- How would you handle a situation where other family members object to my wishes?
- Do you feel you can communicate clearly and firmly with doctors and hospital staff on my behalf?
- After hearing what this role involves, are you truly willing and able to serve as my agent?
Why You Need to Name an Alternate Agent
Life is unpredictable. Your primary agent could become ill, be unreachable during an emergency, or simply be too emotionally distraught to make a decision. That’s why naming an alternate agent is not just a suggestion—it’s a critical part of a solid plan. Your alternate agent is your backup, ready to step in if your primary agent cannot.
Without an alternate, your family could face a crisis. If your agent is unavailable and urgent decisions are needed, your loved ones might have to go to court to have a guardian appointed. This process is stressful, time-consuming, and can create conflict during an already difficult time. By naming an alternate, you ensure there is always someone you’ve personally chosen who is authorized to make decisions, protecting both your wishes and your family from unnecessary legal burdens.
What Authority Does Your Agent Have?
Once you’ve chosen your agent, it’s crucial to understand exactly what they can and can’t do on your behalf. A Medical Power of Attorney grants them significant authority, but it also comes with clear boundaries and responsibilities. Your agent becomes your voice when you can’t speak for yourself, so knowing the scope of their power helps ensure your wishes are carried out correctly. This isn’t about giving up control; it’s about creating a clear plan for your care that protects you and guides your loved ones.
Think of it as providing a detailed instruction manual for your agent, so they never have to guess what you would want in a difficult situation. When they step into this role, they are legally bound to act in your best interest and according to the specific wishes you’ve laid out. Understanding these powers and limitations ahead of time prevents confusion and potential conflicts down the road, giving both you and your family peace of mind. It also empowers your agent to act confidently, knowing they are fulfilling your desires. Let’s break down the three main areas of their authority: making direct healthcare decisions, accessing your private medical information, and the legal limits that govern their actions. This clarity is the foundation of an effective Medical Power of Attorney.
Making Healthcare Decisions for You
The primary role of your agent is to make medical choices for you when you’re unable to make them yourself. A Medical Power of Attorney “authorizes your agent to make medical treatment decisions on your behalf when you cannot.” This includes everything from consenting to or refusing specific treatments, surgeries, and medications to making decisions about hospital stays. They can also handle choices about life-sustaining treatments and end-of-life care, but only based on the instructions you provide in your document. It’s important to know this power only takes effect after a physician certifies that you are incapacitated, so you remain in full control of your healthcare as long as you can communicate your own decisions.
Accessing Your Medical Records
You might assume your agent automatically gets access to your medical files, but that’s not always the case. Federal privacy laws (HIPAA) can prevent doctors and hospitals from sharing your information, even with your designated agent. As one legal expert explains, “hospitals may refuse to share your medical information with them without explicit HIPAA authorization language in the document.” To avoid frustrating delays and ensure your agent can make fully informed decisions, it’s vital to include a specific HIPAA release clause in your Medical Power of Attorney. This simple step gives your agent the clearance they need to review your records and speak directly with your healthcare providers.
Understanding the Limits of Their Power
Your agent’s power isn’t unlimited—and that’s a good thing. They have a legal and ethical duty to act exactly as you would want. According to Arkansas law, your agent must “always act based on what you would want” and follow any specific instructions you include in the document. This is why having detailed conversations with your agent and being clear in your MPOA is so important. A “vague power of attorney can create delays or require additional documentation.” By clearly outlining your wishes regarding certain treatments or scenarios, you provide a roadmap for your agent to follow. This ensures they honor your values when making critical decisions. If you need help defining these terms, our Probate FAQ can be a useful resource.
Common Myths About Medical Power of Attorney in Arkansas
When it comes to planning for your future healthcare, it’s easy to get tangled up in misinformation. A Medical Power of Attorney is a powerful tool, but myths and misunderstandings can keep people from creating one or cause them to make mistakes in the process. These misconceptions can range from who you can choose as an agent to how permanent the document really is. Unfortunately, believing these myths can lead to a document that doesn’t truly protect you or, worse, can cause confusion and conflict for your family when they’re already under stress. Let’s clear the air and tackle some of the most common myths about creating a Medical Power of Attorney in Arkansas so you can move forward with confidence. Getting the facts straight is the first step toward ensuring your wishes are protected.
Myth: You Can’t Change Your Mind
One of the biggest misconceptions is that once you sign a Medical Power of Attorney, your decision is permanent. That’s simply not true. This document is designed to be flexible and reflect your current wishes. As long as you are mentally capable of making your own decisions, you are in complete control. You have the right to change or cancel your document at any time. You can switch agents, update your instructions, or revoke the document entirely. Think of it as a living document that you can adjust as your life and relationships change.
Myth: Your Agent Automatically Gets Your Records
Many people assume that naming an agent automatically gives them access to medical records. However, due to strict patient privacy laws (like HIPAA), that’s not always the case. Hospitals and doctors may refuse to share your information without explicit permission. To avoid this, your document must include specific HIPAA authorization language. Without it, your agent might not be able to get the information they need to make informed decisions on your behalf, causing stressful and unnecessary delays when time is of the essence.
Myth: A Vague Document is Good Enough
While it might seem easier to keep your Medical Power of Attorney brief, vagueness is your enemy. A document with unclear instructions can cause serious problems. It might lead to confusion for your agent, disagreements among family members, or even legal challenges. A vague power of attorney can create delays or force your loved ones to produce additional documentation to prove their authority. Being specific about your wishes and the scope of your agent’s power helps ensure your instructions are followed correctly and reduces the burden on your family during an already difficult time.
Myth: Any Family Member is a Good Choice
Choosing an agent is a serious decision, and it’s not always best to default to your spouse or oldest child. The right agent is someone who is trustworthy, level-headed, organized, and assertive enough to advocate for your wishes, especially if doctors or other family members disagree. An inexperienced or disorganized agent may struggle to manage the responsibility, while someone who is easily overwhelmed might not be able to make tough decisions under pressure. Choose the person who is most capable of handling the job, not just the person who feels like the obvious choice.
When Should You Update Your Document?
Your Medical Power of Attorney isn’t a document you sign once and forget about. Think of it as a living document that should evolve with your life. As your circumstances, relationships, and even your health preferences change, your MPOA should reflect those shifts. Keeping it current ensures that the person you trust most is empowered to act on your behalf and that your wishes are accurately represented when it matters most.
Regularly reviewing your MPOA is a key part of responsible planning. It prevents confusion and conflict down the road, giving you and your family peace of mind. If you’re unsure about how this document fits into your broader estate, our Probate FAQ can help clarify common questions.
Life Events That Call for a Review
It’s a good practice to review your Medical POA every few years, but certain life events should trigger an immediate review. Think about major changes like a marriage, divorce, or the death of your current agent. Your relationship with your chosen agent may have changed, or they may no longer be the best person for the role. A new serious illness or diagnosis might also change your perspective on medical treatments, and your document should reflect your current feelings. Even positive changes, like retirement, can be a good time to take stock of your legal documents and make sure everything is in order.
How to Change or Cancel Your MPOA
The good news is that you can change or cancel your Medical Power of Attorney at any time, as long as you are mentally competent to make your own decisions. The process is straightforward. To revoke your old MPOA, you simply need to create a new one. The new document automatically cancels out the old one. Once you’ve created and properly signed the new form, make sure to destroy all copies of the previous version. It’s crucial to immediately notify your old agent, your new agent, and all of your healthcare providers about the change to avoid any confusion. If you need help finding resources to update your documents, feel free to contact us.
What Happens if You Don’t Have a Medical Power of Attorney?
It’s easy to put off creating a Medical Power of Attorney, but not having one can create a difficult and complicated situation for the people you love most. If you become unable to communicate your own health care wishes, decisions still have to be made. The difference is that you won’t be the one in control. Instead of a trusted person you chose carrying out your wishes, your family may be left guessing, or worse, a court could end up making the choice for you. This can lead to serious stress and conflict at a time when your family needs clarity and peace of mind.
Without this document, you leave your loved ones vulnerable to a confusing legal process and the emotional weight of making life-or-death decisions without your guidance. It’s a scenario that can strain relationships and add unnecessary hardship to an already painful time, turning a medical crisis into a legal one as well. Imagine your spouse, children, and siblings all gathered, trying to agree on a course of treatment. Without your documented wishes, their personal beliefs and fears can lead to disagreements that cause lasting damage. The following sections explain the two biggest risks you and your family face without a Medical Power of Attorney: court intervention and intense emotional strain.
The Risk of Court-Appointed Guardianship
If you don’t have a Medical Power of Attorney and a medical crisis occurs, your family might have to go to court to get legal permission to make decisions for you. This process is called guardianship, and it’s often a last resort. A judge will appoint a guardian to manage your health care, but that person may not be who you would have chosen. The process can be public, time-consuming, and expensive, adding a layer of legal stress to an already emotional situation. When urgent medical decisions can’t wait, your family may need to petition for emergency guardianship, forcing them into a complex legal system when their focus should be on you. You can learn more about finding legal help on our attorney information page.
The Burden It Places on Your Family
Without a designated agent, your loved ones are left in the incredibly painful position of having to guess what you would have wanted. This uncertainty can cause disagreements and friction among family members who may have different opinions about the best course of action. Doctors may look to your next of kin, but this can create confusion and delays, especially if multiple family members are involved. This forces them to make life-altering decisions under immense pressure, without the comfort of knowing they are honoring your wishes. It’s a heavy emotional weight to place on your family during an already challenging time. You can find answers to other common questions in our Probate FAQ.
Where to Find Help Creating Your Document
Putting together a legal document like a Medical Power of Attorney can feel like a big task, but you don’t have to do it alone. Plenty of reliable resources are available to help you get it right, whether you prefer a simple form you can fill out yourself or guidance from a legal professional. The key is finding the approach that gives you the most confidence and peace of mind. These tools can help you create a document that clearly states your wishes and protects your future.
Arkansas Law Help Forms
If you’re looking for a simple and direct way to create your document, Arkansas Law Help is an excellent place to start. They provide a Power of Attorney for Health Care form as a fillable PDF, which walks you through all the essential information you need to include. This is a great option if your situation is straightforward and you feel comfortable handling the process on your own. It’s designed to help you document your healthcare wishes clearly and correctly without any unnecessary complications.
Free Online Tools and Resources
You can also find helpful tools from trusted national organizations. For example, AARP offers free advance directive forms that are customized for each state, including Arkansas. All you have to do is select your state on their website to download the correct documents and instructions. This is another fantastic, no-cost resource that makes it easier to prepare for the future. It’s reassuring to know that reputable organizations provide these tools to help people protect their healthcare choices.
When to Consider Legal Assistance
While DIY forms are useful, some situations really benefit from a lawyer’s touch. You might need legal help if a hospital or doctor refuses to honor your document or if urgent decisions must be made and your family has to consider emergency guardianship. It’s also wise to consult an attorney if you’re unsure about the agent’s responsibilities or how to explain the full Medical Power of Attorney requirements. An experienced agent is crucial, but a dishonest one could misuse their power. Getting professional advice can help you avoid common power of attorney mistakes and ensure your document is solid. If you need help finding the right expert, we can provide you with attorney information to get you started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to create a Medical Power of Attorney? You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to create a valid Medical Power of Attorney in Arkansas, especially if you use the official state form and follow the signing rules carefully. However, if your personal or family situation is complicated, or if you want advice on how this document fits into your complete estate plan, consulting an attorney is a very wise decision.
What happens if my family disagrees with my agent’s decisions? If you have a legally valid document, your agent’s authority is the final word. Their job is to make decisions based on the wishes you expressed, and medical providers are legally required to follow their direction. This is one of the most important reasons to have an MPOA—it removes the potential for conflict by making it clear who has the authority to speak for you.
Can I appoint more than one person to be my agent at the same time? While you can, it is strongly advised that you don’t. Appointing co-agents who must agree on every decision can cause serious delays in your care if they disagree. A much better strategy is to name one primary agent and then name a second person as an alternate agent who can step in if your first choice is unavailable or unable to serve.
Can my agent live in a different state? Yes, there is no law in Arkansas that requires your agent to live in the state. The most important factor is choosing someone you trust. Just be sure to consider the practical side of things. If a crisis happens, you’ll want someone who can be physically present if needed, so think about how easily they could travel to be with you.
When exactly does my agent take over making decisions? Your agent’s authority to make decisions for you only begins after a physician has certified in writing that you are no longer able to make or communicate your own healthcare choices. The document is legally valid the moment you sign it, but your agent can’t act until it is medically necessary. This ensures you remain in control of your own care for as long as possible.