What type of directive allows a person to make medical decisions on behalf of another?

What type of directive allows a person to make medical decisions on behalf of another?

• A. Directive to physician
• B. Health Care Proxy
• C. Living Will
• D. Medical Power of Attorney

Answer: (D)

The Medical Power of Attorney is the correct choice because it is a legal document that specifically designates an individual to make medical decisions on behalf of another person when that person is unable to do so due to incapacity or other reasons. This arrangement ensures that the appointed individual can make healthcare decisions that align with the wishes and best interests of the person who granted the authority. In distinguishing this from the other options, a Health Care Proxy is similar, but it is often considered a specific form of medical power of attorney where the authority is granted primarily for health-related decisions rather than broader decision-making. A Directive to Physician typically outlines preferences for medical care but does not appoint someone to make those decisions. A Living Will specifies the individual’s wishes regarding end-of-life care but does not designate an agent to make decisions when one is incapacitated. Each of these documents serves important roles in healthcare decision-making, but the Medical Power of Attorney most directly addresses the need for appointing another person to make such decisions.

The Medical Power of Attorney is the correct choice because it is a legal document that specifically designates an individual to make medical decisions on behalf of another person when that person is unable to do so due to incapacity or other reasons. This arrangement ensures that the appointed individual can make healthcare decisions that align with the wishes and best interests of the person who granted the authority.

In distinguishing this from the other options, a Health Care Proxy is similar, but it is often considered a specific form of medical power of attorney where the authority is granted primarily for health-related decisions rather than broader decision-making. A Directive to Physician typically outlines preferences for medical care but does not appoint someone to make those decisions. A Living Will specifies the individual’s wishes regarding end-of-life care but does not designate an agent to make decisions when one is incapacitated. Each of these documents serves important roles in healthcare decision-making, but the Medical Power of Attorney most directly addresses the need for appointing another person to make such decisions.