What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document that grants one individual the authority to act on another person’s behalf in legal or financial matters. This document is significant because it allows the designated person, known as the attorney-in-fact or agent, to make decisions and handle transactions for the person who created the document, referred to as the principal. This arrangement is often utilized in situations where the principal is incapacitated, unavailable, or wishes to delegate specific responsibilities.

Understanding this concept is vital for healthcare settings, as a power of attorney can also encompass healthcare decisions if it includes medical directives. This means the agent can make decisions regarding medical treatment and healthcare options for the principal. It is crucial for CNAs to recognize and respect such legal arrangements when providing care to ensure the patient's wishes are honored.

The other options represent different concepts unrelated to the legal framework of power of attorney, showing the importance of identifying and understanding specific legal terms accurately in the healthcare environment.