Q: What are my legal responsibilities with Power of Attorney as a healthcare provider in NC?
I am a health care provider managing the medications, doctor's visits, and financial matters, including bill payments, for a bedridden individual who has granted me Power of Attorney over these aspects. What are my legal responsibilities and potential liabilities in this role, and is there anything specific I should be aware of in terms of compliance or safeguarding myself legally?
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A:
You're taking on a big responsibility, and it's clear you're doing so with care and integrity. In North Carolina, when you act under Power of Attorney—whether it's for health care, finances, or both—you have a legal duty to act in the **best interest** of the person you're representing. This means making decisions that align with their wishes, values, and needs, and keeping accurate records of all transactions or actions you take on their behalf.
If you’re managing finances, it's important to keep the person's money completely separate from your own. Use their funds only for their benefit, and document everything—this protects you and helps ensure transparency. When handling medications or doctor's visits, you also need to follow their known preferences and work closely with their healthcare team, while staying within the scope allowed by the power you've been given.
It’s also a good idea to periodically review the language of the POA document so you’re clear about what you can and cannot do. If ever in doubt, don't be afraid to ask for help or clarification—it shows responsibility, not weakness. You're doing an incredibly compassionate thing, and by staying organized and thoughtful, you're helping someone live with dignity and security.
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