Which of the following best describes a durable power of attorney?

A durable power of attorney is fundamentally a legal document that empowers an individual to designate another person to make health care decisions on their behalf. This instrument is particularly significant in the context of health care as it remains in effect even if the patient becomes incapacitated. By choosing this route, a patient ensures that their medical treatment preferences can be honored and that someone they trust will make crucial decisions when they are unable to do so themselves.

This is distinct from other concepts, such as a statement of medical wishes related to end-of-life care, which is more specific and often covered by documents like an advance directive or living will. While important, those documents do not grant decision-making authority to someone else, which is a primary function of the durable power of attorney. Similarly, hiring a legal attorney for advice on medical procedures does not pertain to the specific authority granted for health care decision-making. Lastly, a do-not-resuscitate order explicitly instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR or other resuscitation methods in case of cardiac arrest but does not encompass the broader authority given by a durable power of attorney. Hence, the essence of the durable power of attorney lies in its role in facilitating health care decision-making through a trusted representative.