Which statement best describes durable power of attorney?

• A. The client signs a document that designates another person to make decisions if the client becomes unable
• B. The client signs a document that designates another person to make decisions while the client remains fully competent
• C. The client signs a document that designates a physician to decide for all patients
• D. The client signs a document that terminates medical decisions

Answer: (A)

Durable power of attorney is a legal arrangement in which a person names someone to make decisions on their behalf if they later become unable to do so, and the word “durable” means that authority stays in effect even after incapacity occurs. In the medical context, this means the designated person can make healthcare decisions for the patient when they can't communicate or consent themselves, guided by the patient’s preferences and any advance directives. The statement that best describes this is the one where the client signs a document designating another person to make decisions if the client becomes unable. This differs from arrangements that allow decisions only while the person is fully competent, or that designate a physician to decide for all patients, or that terminate medical decisions.