My father is in declining health, he is currentlly in the hospital with an amputated leg, stage 4 liver disease and heart failure. His wife has prevented us from anyone from being involved in his life and wants to prevent us from even coming to the hospital. She put him in a terrible care facility which was so bad that I had to have him transferred to the hospital because of their neglect. I am his power of attorney. Am I able to prevent her from making any decisions on his behalf ?
IF it is a financial POA, you take care of the money
Your POA is not in effect if Dad is competent. If he rather you make his decisions than he has made it effective. I would have him sign something that you make his decisions. If a Dr says Dad can't make informed decisions, then your POA is in effect, but get that in writing. Dad could always put u on HIPPA paperwork so you can talk to Drs and Nurses.
So, the answer is your POA does override the wife if it is in effect.
Remember though, any decisions that are made should be made with her in mind. She may depend on Dad's income to pay the bills. If Dad is placed in care, marital assets are 50/50. She is entitled to be taken care of. Medicaid allows those assets to be split.