A valid medical power of attorney allows the agent to make health care decisions based on what primarily?

A valid medical power of attorney empowers the agent to make health care decisions that align with the patient's own wishes and preferences. This ensures that the decisions reflect what the patient would want, even if they are unable to communicate their desires directly due to illness or incapacitation. The agent acts as a representative for the patient, using their knowledge of the patient's values, beliefs, and prior discussions about medical care to guide their decisions.

This process requires the agent to be familiar with the patient's wishes to ensure that the healthcare decisions made resonate with what the patient would have chosen for themselves. It emphasizes the importance of communication between the patient and the agent prior to any medical events that might impair the patient's ability to express their own wishes.

Utilizing the agent's interpretation of the law or personal beliefs is not aligned with the purpose of the medical power of attorney, as those factors do not necessarily reflect the patient's unique desires regarding their healthcare. Similarly, the preferences of the physician may provide important medical information but should not directly dictate the patient's care choices as these choices are inherently personal and individualized.