Which statement best describes how a power of attorney can be used in health care decisions?

• A. It sets post-death distributions
• B. It allows designated person to make health decisions when incapacitated
• C. It governs investment policy
• D. It decides pension plans

Answer: (B)

A health care power of attorney designates someone you trust to make medical decisions for you when you’re unable to communicate or consent to treatment. The appointed person can decide about tests, procedures, medications, hospital or facility choices, and end-of-life options, doing so in line with your known wishes and values. If you have a durable version, this authority remains in place even if you later become incapacitated. Having this arrangement helps ensure your medical care reflects your preferences and reduces family or clinician uncertainty about who should decide you’re not able to decide for yourself. This is not about distributing your assets after death or directing investments; those areas involve other documents or roles.