durable power of attorney

durable power of attorney

(dūr'ă-bĕl pow'ĕr ă-tŏr-nē),

A legally qualified advance directive that gives one other person, and often an alternate as well, the authority to make medical decisions should the person signing the advance directive become incompetent and require medical care.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

durable power of attorney

Continuing power of attorney Death & health care An 'advance directive' document that allows Pts to appoint a surrogate decision-maker to implement preferences for continued life support in the event of incapacitation. See Advance directive, Euthanasia, Living will.

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

ad·vance di·rec·tive

(ăd-vans' dĭr-ek'tiv)

A legal document with written instructions signed by the patient (or the patient's designee if the patient cannot sign) stating the type of care measures and services that are or are not to be provided to prolong life in the event of a life-threatening illness.
Synonym(s): durable power of attorney (1) .

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liv·ing will

(liv'ing wil)

Legal document used to indicate one's preference to die rather than be sustained artificially if sick or injured beyond the prospect of recovery.
See: advance directive
Synonym(s): durable power of attorney (2) .

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012