释义 |
lasting power of attorney A power of attorney given legal authority by the UK Mental Capacity Act 2005. Under the Act, anyone who has mental capacity may choose another person to make decisions (including decisions regarding healthcare) on their behalf if they subsequently lose capacity. The donee of such a power must decide what is in the patient’s best interests but can refuse life-sustaining treatment only if express written provision for such a decision was made by the patient in advance (see advance decision). See also proxy decision. |