2016 Colorado Revised Statutes
Title 15 - Probate, Trusts, and Fiduciaries
Colorado Probate Code
Article 14 - Persons Under Disability - Protection
Part 7 - Uniform Power of Attorney Act
Subpart 1 - General Provisions
§ 15-14-709. 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 or licensed psychologist that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning of section 15-14-702 (5) (a); or

(b) An attorney-at-law, a judge, or an appropriate governmental official that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning of section 15-14-702 (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 federal "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act", sections 1171 to 1179 of the federal "Social Security Act", 42 U.S.C. sec. 1320d, as amended, and applicable regulations, to obtain access to the principal's health care information and communicate with the principal's health care provider.