What is another name for a durable power of attorney for healthcare?

• A. Medical power of attorney
• B. End-of-life directive
• C. Universal health consent
• D. Patient advocate agreement

Answer: (A)

Medical power of attorney is the common name for a durable power of attorney for healthcare. It designates a trusted person as your healthcare proxy to make medical decisions for you if you can’t communicate or make choices yourself. The durable aspect means the authority remains in effect even if you later become incapacitated. This differs from a living will or end-of-life directive, which specify your treatment preferences but do not appoint someone to decide for you. In many places this appointment is also called a healthcare proxy or durable POA, emphasizing the role of a person who can advocate for your medical wishes. Terms like end-of-life directive describe specific treatment preferences, not the authority granted to a decision-maker.