A general mandate confers upon an agent, or mandatary a broad and unspecified ability to act on the behalf of another, the principal. A general mandate typically includes the ability to manage real and personal property, as well as financial matters. However, depending upon the assets to be managed, there exist particular form and recordation requirements.

A limited mandate confers upon a mandatary a limited and specific ability to act on the behalf of the principal. Unlike a general mandate, a limited mandate includes only the ability to manage specific property or matters as designated by the principal. Typical limited mandates include the ability to oversee real property, manage particular financial matters, or temporary decision-making power over a child’s healthcare while parents are away.

A medical mandate confers upon a mandatary the ability to make healthcare decisions, as well as access the medical records and information of the principal, for decision-making purposes. Typically, medical mandates include the principal’s directives concerning life-prolonging treatments as well as any last wishes concerning healthcare matters, such as organ donation.