A bill for an act relating to the authority of an attorney in fact under a durable power of attorney for health care.

This Iowa bill (HF 2570) clarifies the authority of an "attorney in fact" (someone appointed to make health care decisions under a durable power of attorney). It requires the attorney in fact to follow the principal's (patient's) expressed wishes as written in the power of attorney document or a separate life-sustaining procedures declaration. The bill specifically states that such declarations cannot be interpreted to block withdrawal of hydration or nutrition when medically necessary (e.g., via IV or feeding tube), and the attorney’s authority cannot be limited by the principal’s verbal wishes shared with others or in unrelated documents unless the power of attorney document explicitly lists those limitations. It directly affects patients using durable powers of attorney and their appointed health care decision-makers.