Iowa Code 144B.1 – Definitions
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For purposes of this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. “Attorney in fact” means an individual who is designated by a durable power of attorney for health care as an agent to make health care decisions on behalf of a principal and has consented to act in that capacity.
Terms Used In Iowa Code 144B.1
- Person: means a natural person. See Iowa Code 154A.1
- Power of attorney: A written instrument which authorizes one person to act as another's agent or attorney. The power of attorney may be for a definite, specific act, or it may be general in nature. The terms of the written power of attorney may specify when it will expire. If not, the power of attorney usually expires when the person granting it dies. Source: OCC
- State: means a state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. See Iowa Code 152E.3
2. “Designee” means a person named in a declaration under chapter 144C.
3. “Durable power of attorney for health care” means a document authorizing an attorney in fact to make health care decisions for the principal if the principal is unable, in the judgment of the attending physician or attending physician assistant, to make health care decisions.
4. “Health care” means any care, treatment, service, or procedure to maintain, diagnose, or treat an individual’s physical or mental condition. “Health care” does not include the provision of nutrition or hydration except when they are required to be provided parenterally or through intubation.
5. “Health care decision” means the consent, refusal of consent, or withdrawal of consent to health care.
6. “Health care provider” means a person who is licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized or permitted by the law of this state to administer health care in the ordinary course of business or in the practice of a profession.
7. “Principal” means a person age eighteen or older who has executed a durable power of attorney for health care.