agent Policy Term Definition

An adult to whom authority to make health care decisions has been delegated under a medical power of attorney. An agent may exercise authority only if the patient’s attending physician certifies in writing in the patient’s medical records that the patient is incompetent.  A person may not act as an agent while the person serves as: (1) the patient’s health or residential care provider; or (2) an employee of the patient’s health or residential care provider unless the person is a relative of the patient.