Here in the US we have basically the same two documents but they have different names.... and in some states they are combined into one.
Medical Power of Attorney is the legal document needed to authorize a person to act as the representative of another person in medical matters.
Durable Power of Attorney is the legal document needed to authorize a person to act as the representative of another person in legal and financial matters.
But we have to confuse the issue because in some states there are two separate legal documents and in some states it is combined into one document.
We also have Medical Directives or Living Wills which explain the extent of medical treatment that should be used under certain situations.
These documents are instruments of the state. You have to be careful crossing state lines because they may or may not be effective in all states.
Oh, and the Federal Government does NOT recognize these documents at all. They have their very own process you have to follow for Social Security, medicare, medicaid, and federal retirements.
Not sure we could make it more confusing
Love, deb
