What kind of decisions can a healthcare power of attorney grant authority for?

A healthcare power of attorney is a specific legal document that grants an individual the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of another person in the event that they become unable to make those decisions for themselves. This authority includes areas such as consenting to or refusing medical treatment, making decisions about surgical procedures, and choosing healthcare providers.

While other options mention areas of responsibility, they do not accurately reflect the focus of a healthcare power of attorney. For instance, financial investments and estate distribution fall under different legal instruments, like a durable power of attorney for finances or a will, and all legal matters encompass a broader scope than healthcare decisions alone. Thus, the authority granted is specifically tied to making healthcare-related choices, which makes the identification of healthcare decisions the correct response.