No, there is no requirement that you create a durable power of attorney (POA) for health care. A POA allows you to designate a trusted person as your health care agent. This person would make medical decisions for you if you become medically unable to make them for yourself.
If you do not choose a health care agent through a POA, somebody may be chosen for you. Under Alaska law, your spouse will be named as your healthcare surrogate if you did not name a healthcare agent yourself. If you are separated or unmarried, the following people may be chosen as your healthcare surrogate, in this order:
Your adult child
Your parent
An adult sibling
If none of these people are available, an adult who shows particular care and concern for you may act as your surrogate and make decisions for you. You can avoid these default state rules on healthcare surrogates if you choose a health care agent through a POA.