I finally gave up on trying to figure out what my sister is up to in regard to mom. She texted me today that she is primary medical POA and I'm secondary. She also texted that I can handle her medical bills, nevermind I have no access to her money to pay them. I have nothing proving I'm on the POA and my limited understanding is that secondary can only take over if the primary cannot do her job. I told her as much and she claims that "under the concept of apparent authority you can act." I don't trust that, but I will call mom's insurance tomorrow and inquire. I assume they need more than just a phone call....?
I have no idea what your sister is up to, but if it were me, I'd let HER handle ALL of the headache of paperwork and keep her primary POA intact with ALL OF IT! You can be the daughter who stays out of the legal end of things and is just the one who visits with mom and brings her small gifts and the beauty of your time & presence.
Good luck!
I hope someone has financial because its that person who handles the bills. All bills. I was already on my Moms accounts but my financial POA was on file with the bank.
You need to explain to sister that you think she is confused in what a Medical POAs responsibilities are. That she needs to clarify her responsibilities with the lawyer who drew up the POA. That you have been made aware that Secondary only steps in when she can no longer handle the responsibility. Hopefully, she is on Moms accounts, if no financial POA, because as such she can continue to pay Moms bills. Tell her at this point you can do nothing. For one thing, you have no proof, to show anyone, that you are Medical POA. And like said, you can revoke the assignment.
Too many people are misinformed to what Financial and Medical POAs responsibilities are. This is why when assigned that person should be present and explained this and sign that they fully understand the responsibilities and they except the assignment. Unless things have changed in my state in the last 10 yrs, this is not done.
You need to see the actual signed and notarized paperwork.