Without the appropriate document, someone can be denied the right to visit his or her lover during emergency hospitalization, or to be involved in medical decision-making. N.C.G.S. § 90-322 specifies that a majority of the patient's closest blood relatives have the right to make decisions about life support systems, unless the patient is married, has had a guardian appointed or has executed a "health care power of attorney."
The North Carolina legislature has approved the use of a health care power of attorney so that anyone can give the person of their choice the power that someone normally retains over decisions relating to his or her own medical care. The appropriate form is found in N.C.G.S. § 32A-25 and should be followed to the letter. One's doctor and hospital should be notified and given a copy of the health care power of attorney beforehand to ensure their cooperation.
Do not use a form from an out-of-state organization in the hope that it might work. The correct North Carolina form will do everything you might want, and it is much more likely to accomplish its purpose.