In case of incapacity, which document appoints someone to make healthcare decisions?

• A. Incident Report
• B. Ethical Dilemma
• C. Durable Power of Attorney
• D. Advance Directive

Answer: (C)

When someone cannot make medical choices, you need a document that actually grants another person the authority to decide for them. A durable power of attorney for healthcare does exactly that: it names an agent who can make medical decisions on the patient’s behalf, as long as the patient is incapacitated. This appointment remains in effect despite the person’s incapacity (durable) and authorizes the agent to act within the scope outlined in the document and according to the patient’s known wishes or best interests.

An advance directive, by contrast, focuses on stating preferences for future care and may also designate a surrogate, but its primary purpose is to guide decisions or express wishes rather than grant the decision-making authority itself. The other options aren’t about appointing a decision-maker at all.