When is a durable power of attorney invoked?

• A. Immediately after signing a durable power of attorney
• B. Only for financial matters
• C. When the client loses the ability to make decisions
• D. Only with physician approval

Answer: (C)

Durable means the power stays in effect even if the person becomes incapacitated, so the appointed agent can step in to handle affairs. Invocation happens when the client loses the ability to make decisions, which is the situation the document is designed to address. Some durable powers may be set to activate immediately, or only upon incapacity if that trigger is specified, but the core idea is that activation occurs because the person can no longer decide for themselves. It doesn’t require physician approval to activate in the general sense, and while many durable powers cover financial matters, there are also healthcare-focused versions, so the concept isn’t limited to finances.