144B.1 - DEFINITIONS.
144B.1 DEFINITIONS.
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.
2. "Designee" means a person named in a declaration under
chapter 144C that is contained in or attached to a durable power of
attorney for health care.
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, 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. Section History: Recent Form
91 Acts, ch 140, §1; 2008 Acts, ch 1051, §4, 22
Referred to in § 141A.1, 231E.3, 321.189