Doctors, elder abuse, and enduring powers of attorney

Matthews, Frances

Doctors, elder abuse, and enduring powers of attorney Matthews, Frances - New Zealand Medical Association 2004 - 8 p. ; computer file : PDF format (33.5Kb) - New Zealand Medical Journal .

New Zealand Medical Journal 117(1202), 24 September 2004

This article discusses some of the shortcomings in the legislation contained in Part IX of the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act (1988), and the appropriate course of action for those who think that attorneys are misusing their powers and failing to act in the best interests of incapacitated patients. This Act is used to protect vulnerable adults who are unable to make their own decisions about welfare and property matters. It is posited that there is widespread ignorance among doctors and other professionals dealing with incapacitated patients, about the scope and nature of powers granted when an enduring power of attorney is donated. Suggestions are made for steps that doctors can take when dealing with those who have been granted an enduring power of attorney by their patients.

1175-8716


ELDER ABUSE
INTERVENTION
LEGISLATION
POLICY
OLDER PEOPLE
PREVENTION