difference between power of attorney and emergency contact

[Ms.RN]

I have patient who have 2 people listed as a contact person inside their chart. One person is power of attorney and another person is emergency contact. If something happens to this patient and call the emergency contact person, can they make medical decision? Or can only person who have power of attorney make decisions, like send patient to the hospital or get consent for any treatments?

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

I have patient who have 2 people listed as a contact person inside their chart. One person is power of attorney and another person is emergency contact. If something happens to this patient and call the emergency contact person, can they make medical decision? Or can only person who have power of attorney make decisions, like send patient to the hospital or get consent for any treatments?

The emergency contact is nothing more than someone the patient wants called in case of an emergency. They have no legal standing to decide anything at all. Sometimes people choose an emergency contact because they are level-headed and will then know who ELSE to call in a crisis. Sometimes they would rather have a friend contacted before the boyfriend for just such reasons. Sometimes a different family member than the spouse, believe it or not.

The power of attorney has been given the legal standing to make decisions for the patient under outlined situations. The emergency contact has not.

[Thunderwolf, MSN, RN]

You have your answer, Ms.RN.

Thanks, RNsRWe.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

The Power of Attorney does not necessarily have the 'power' unless it has been invoked much the same as a health care proxy, unless it is irrevocable....I think.

[Rascal1]

The POA.is given the authority by the court system. Usually,a family member is assigned after they complete the necessary paperwork for the court. I don't know anything about hcp.