I have POA over my parent's health care. My sister, however, is involved in speaking to the nursing home and obtaining information regarding our parent's health care. She has also been given and kept documents by the hospital and nursing home that should be in my hands. The problem is that my sister does not respect my opinion or my legal authority over our mother's health care. I do not want to call attention to this problem at the NH however I do not appreciate it when the nursing home calls her and not me to give information regarding health issues and I am concerned that my sister may be giving health care recomednations without conculting me. Could someone clarify my rights and the rights of my sibling on these issues? Thanks.
Unless her name is also on the medical POA, then you are it, not her. Do you and your sister have a history of not getting along? Does she intimidate you?
Your the one authorized in the matters outlined in the medical POA, Take the authority that is yours and fulfill your responsibilities! That's why you are the medical POA!
BTW, who is the durable POA?
Occasionally there has been a difference of opinion about treatment and we sit down and talk about it, ask the advice of the docs and nurse practioner who are around.
What sorts of issues are you and your sister struggling with, or is she just not sharing information? Day to day, there are not many "big choices" to make when the loved one is chronic and stable. I've never found it useful to think about "rights" in this situation, much more it's about responsibilities.