What is the function of a medical power of attorney?

The function of a medical power of attorney is to allow a designated person, often referred to as a healthcare agent or proxy, to make healthcare decisions on behalf of a patient who is unable to do so due to incapacity. This legal document is crucial in situations where a patient may not be able to communicate their wishes regarding medical treatments, procedures, or end-of-life care. By designating an individual through this form, the patient ensures that their healthcare preferences are respected and that someone they trust is empowered to make decisions in line with those preferences.

In contrast, granting financial powers to a family member pertains to a financial power of attorney, which is distinct from medical decision-making. Approving medical research studies involves a separate process involving ethical review boards and regulatory approvals, not the function of a medical power of attorney. Establishing hospital policies for patient care is a task typically reserved for hospital administration and governance, separate from individual patient plans and decisions. Therefore, the defining role of a medical power of attorney is specifically in the realm of healthcare decision-making for an incapacitated individual.