I have a resident whose POA has told me, as well as the RN that they don't want their mother to take a certain medication. Does the caregiver have to give that medication still until the Drs order says to discontinue it? Or is a written statement enough for a caregiver to not give that medication?
I am not trying to be rude here, but why are you or the RN not aware of the procedures of ur facility. You must have a DON (unless ur an AL) that oversees the staff? Why didn't you tell POA that you cannot make that decision and send her to talk to the right person, the Doctor.
The DOCTOR must speak to his PATIENT'S POA, NOW, and get this SORTED!
It is totally unfair that you are being left in this position, which is a tricky intersection in the ethics maze.
A patient must give informed consent. A patient has the right to refuse any treatment.
This patient lacks mental capacity. Therefore, decisions are made in this patient's best interests on her behalf by her appointed representative, who has legal power of attorney.
Therefore, on the face of it, the POA has the right to withhold consent to treatment on behalf of the patient.
But - is the POA's decision in the patient's best interests? It's this last question that has to be tested; and the *&*%$%&!!! DOCTOR must get his finger out and address it RIGHT NOW.
If abrupt withdrawal of the medication might harm the lady, then you cannot just follow the POA's instructions and stop giving it. You MUST get clear directions from a medically qualified practitioner. Explain this to the POA if she is giving you a hard time.
Why are you being left to handle this impossible situation on your own? It's outrageous. I hope you get clear guidance very, very fast.
OTOH, if you're referring to a Medical POA, or a Living Will, then you'll need to check the terms of the document to determine what authority the proxy has.
I think though that you need to find out why this person is opposed to a specific medication; there may be a valid reason. I had to intervene a few times to advise doctors that my father doesn't want to take a specific med, and I advised of the reason why he (and I) felt that way.
What is your role in this situation? You mention that you "have a resident..." Are you the owner of a home care facility? And who is the proxy for the resident? A relative? Someone who knows this person well?
I'd get to the basis of the objection first; it may be legitimate.