Follow
Share

I work for a company that goes into nursing homes that see patients for dementia, psych problems etc. Can a patient sign for themselves if they have a financial POA? Is it legal? The consent is for financial reasons, if there is a balance after the insurance pays or does not pay and then the patient is financially responsible for the balance.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
If they are competent, they can.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

If the patient is competent, then the patient can sign. It is in your company's and the nursing homes' interest to take reasonable steps to ensure that anyone they are entering into a contract with is legally able to form a contract. If later it is demonstrated that the service user was away with the fairies and obviously not competent, then your company and/or the nursing home will have a contract that is not worth the paper it was written on.

You should be trained in ensuring that your service users are receiving all the information they need, and able to process it, in order to agree to these terms. Aren't you?
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

The patient would be responsible for the bill no matter who signs, a POA does not assume financial indebtedness for the person, only the ability to advocate, get info, make decisions, buy and sell assets on behalf of. Not personally become responsible financially, thankfully, as who in their right mind would become a POA for anyone.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Most people in NHs are on some level where they cannot discuss finances. I would think before you spoke to these residents you would talk to someone in authority that would give you the contact info of who is handling the residents finances. A Dementia/ALZ and psych patients are not able to sign legal documents.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter