In the case where a patient has given Durable Power of Attorney, who decides on withholding medical treatment?

The correct answer indicates that the individual designated as the Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) is responsible for making decisions regarding medical treatment, including the withholding of such treatment. A Durable Power of Attorney for healthcare is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone else (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to make healthcare decisions on their behalf, especially in situations where they are unable to communicate their wishes.

In this context, the person named as the DPOA has the authority to understand the patient's wishes, evaluate their medical condition, and consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about their treatment options. This empowers the appointed individual to act in the best interest of the patient, based on their known preferences or best interpretations of those preferences.

The attending physician, while crucial in providing medical advice and recommendations, does not make the final decisions about withholding treatment if a DPOA has been established. Similarly, the healthcare team collaborates on patient care but does not have the authority to make such decisions if a DPOA is in place. The patient, if capable, retains the right to make their own decisions, but the question addresses scenarios where they may not be in a position to do so and have appointed someone to act on their behalf