My friend entrusted her purse with me when she was admitted to the hospital. It contains checkbooks, ID, keys. Her nephew wants it, who's not POA. What to do?

Your intuition tells you what to do. Listen to it. But yes, for a second opinion this site is good to come to!!

beancounter, thanks for that update!

thanks for responses. finally got ahold of person who does hold poa and was instructed to --under no circumstance give purse to nephew--but to hold for him and her lawyer. guess I knew answer already, just wanted confirmation

Tell him no.

Actually. What else does your friend need doing for her? Check that you are not unintentionally obstructing plans for her further care. Perhaps nephew can tell you who is in charge?

You keep it safe until you receive further instructions either from your friend or from her authorised representative.

If nephew kicks up a fuss, explain to him kindly that this is your duty and no reflection on him.

So she entrusted to you for a reason... So no and you already knew that answer when you used the term entrusted.