What is the name for the durable power of attorney for health-care decisions?

What is the name for the durable power of attorney for health-care decisions?

• A. Health-care proxy or medical power of attorney
• B. Durable power of attorney for property
• C. Living will
• D. Do Not Resuscitate order

Answer: (A)

This question tests what term is used for the person designated to make medical decisions when you’re unable to speak for yourself. The correct term is health-care proxy or medical power of attorney. This is a durable arrangement that you set up in a document to name an agent who can decide on your medical care if you’re incapacitated, and it remains in effect even if you can’t communicate. Understanding the other options helps show why this is the right label. A durable power of attorney for property handles financial matters, not medical decisions. A living will, or advance directive, records your treatment preferences but does not appoint someone to decide for you. A Do Not Resuscitate order is a specific directive about whether to perform CPR; it doesn’t designate a decision-maker.

This question tests what term is used for the person designated to make medical decisions when you’re unable to speak for yourself. The correct term is health-care proxy or medical power of attorney. This is a durable arrangement that you set up in a document to name an agent who can decide on your medical care if you’re incapacitated, and it remains in effect even if you can’t communicate.

Understanding the other options helps show why this is the right label. A durable power of attorney for property handles financial matters, not medical decisions. A living will, or advance directive, records your treatment preferences but does not appoint someone to decide for you. A Do Not Resuscitate order is a specific directive about whether to perform CPR; it doesn’t designate a decision-maker.