Which of the following is a characteristic of power of attorney?

The characteristic of power of attorney that designates someone to make decisions on behalf of another individual is key to understanding its purpose and function. A power of attorney (POA) allows a person (the principal) to grant legal authority to another individual (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on their behalf in specified matters, such as financial, legal, or healthcare decisions.

This arrangement is particularly useful in situations where the principal is unable to make decisions for themselves due to illness, incapacity, or absence. The designated agent is empowered to make choices that align with the principal's desires and best interests, effectively ensuring that the principal's preferences are honored even when they cannot articulate them personally.

In contrast, other options either misattribute functions to power of attorney or narrow its application too significantly, thus failing to capture the comprehensive nature of what a power of attorney entails. For instance, while a living will is essential in guiding healthcare decisions, it is separate and distinct from a power of attorney. Similarly, power of attorney can encompass various responsibilities beyond healthcare directives, and it does not guarantee medical coverage, as that is the role of insurance or specific healthcare policies.