Legal Issues

Question 1

Advance Directive

Answer 1

A legal document that indicates who has the power to make decisions if a client becomes physically or mentally unable to do so. Can also include a client’s request of what they want to happen to them in the future.

Question 2

Healthcare Power of Attorney

Answer 2

A healthcare power of attorney document also identifies a person to make healthcare decisions in the event a person is unable to but does not typically include preferences for care.

Question 3

Living Will

Answer 3

A living will dictates what healthcare treatments a person does and does not want, but does not designate a person to make decisions.

Question 4

POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)

Answer 4

Made up of written orders for doctors that demonstrate a client’s preferences for medical care. It does not indicate a surrogate decision maker.