Which term refers to a document that appoints a person to make medical decisions for someone else?

Which term refers to a document that appoints a person to make medical decisions for someone else?

• A. Living Will
• B. Power of Attorney
• C. Guardianship
• D. POLST

Answer: (B)

Power of Attorney is the document that designates someone to make medical decisions for you when you can’t. It names a specific agent to act on your behalf, which is why it best fits the scenario described. A living will expresses what kinds of care you want or don’t want, but it doesn’t appoint a decision-maker. Guardianship involves a court stepping in to assign a guardian, which is a broader legal status, not simply a form you sign to name an agent. POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) translates treatment preferences into medical orders, not the appointment of a decision-maker.

Power of Attorney is the document that designates someone to make medical decisions for you when you can’t. It names a specific agent to act on your behalf, which is why it best fits the scenario described. A living will expresses what kinds of care you want or don’t want, but it doesn’t appoint a decision-maker. Guardianship involves a court stepping in to assign a guardian, which is a broader legal status, not simply a form you sign to name an agent. POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) translates treatment preferences into medical orders, not the appointment of a decision-maker.