What is a healthcare power of attorney also known as?

A healthcare power of attorney is commonly referred to as a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. This legal document allows an individual to designate another person, known as an agent or proxy, to make healthcare decisions on their behalf in the event that they become incapacitated and are unable to communicate their wishes regarding medical treatment.

This instrument specifically focuses on healthcare decisions, distinguishing it from other types of powers of attorney that might cover financial or legal matters. The term "durable" indicates that the authority granted continues even if the person who created the document becomes incapacitated. This ensures that there is a trusted individual in place to advocate for the patient’s healthcare preferences when they cannot do so themselves.

In contrast, an advance directive is a broader category that encompasses different types of documents outlining a person's wishes for medical treatment, including living wills. While a living will specifies the types of medical treatments a patient wishes to receive or not receive in specific situations, it does not appoint a person to make decisions. A legal guardian is a court-appointed individual responsible for making decisions for someone unable to do so, which is a separate and distinct role from that of a healthcare power of attorney.