Power of Attorney
Definition
Power of attorney, also known as durable medical power of attorney, is a legal mechanism that empowers a designated person to make medical decisions for a patient should the patient be unable to make the decisions due to incapacitation.
Purpose
Power of attorney assures that a patient's wishes are acknowledged in the medical setting. Along with other legal documents such as a living will and a do not resuscitate (DNR) order, the power of attorney designates the agent or person who is legally authorized to act for the patient in the medical setting. All three mechanisms are a part of what is know as advanced medical directives.
[The entire page is 1195 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
