Can someone with medical POA decide who can and can't come to visit the patient?

I am assuming there was a lawyer or notary present when she signed the POA. If she was obviously impaired I think it was their responsibility to decline to notarize since the first page (at least on the one I have) explains in detail what the subject person is signing and whether they understand what powers they are giving the POA. Unfortunately I don't know how you could dispute this now.

Any POA must be witnessed by two non family members. Who are the witnesses? Who is the Notary? The notary is required to ask the person signing the document if they are competent. It sounds like the POA is not enforceable if certain requirements have not been met because the POA has all the rights to decide for the person that they represent.

I dug out my POAs for my Mom and I'm not certain. In reading them, I am not certain it's cut-and-dried. It mentions that I should be treated just like her in all medical respects. Does that mean I could keep someone from visiting her in the hospital just as she could probably request? I'm not sure. Maybe it does but I don't think that's clear.

So, I don't know if it varies from state-to-state, but I would check on the laws of your state and try to look into this.I think you should contact a lawyer. Someone above mentioned that she might not have been capable to sign. That's just one issue. Whether or not she was capable of signing, the lawyer should be able to get a determination on whether the POA can keep the family away.

Also, since rights vary from state-to-state, my POA rights probably differ slightly, anyway, as different states have different interpretations of our rights. So, don't take what any of us say here as the answer, but get an attorney in your own state to investigate this and, if applicable, to stand up for the rights of the family.

I was told by the home, that POA can say who can visit...if the visit would cause duress to the patient. The home denies visitation with a copy of POA.

When your mother-in-law is conscious ASK her what she wants...

You can talk to an elder advocate. Ask the hospital they can get you in touch with them.

Our lawyer told us a medical POA covers only the medical aspects of the patients care. To cover anything else a person needs a durable power of attorney. I would stand up to the evil person. BTW, what is an ED?

Wow. I don't have an answer to that question but that seems really WRONG. Getting someone to sign a POA when they are under heavy sedation? I hope you find someone that can help you. I'd say to talk to an attourney but I know that isn't cheap. Maybe one that specializes in dealing with elderly's estates/money/wills etc. would be willing to just give you a bit of advice.
Good luck. You will be in my prayers. :)

Good questions! That is exactly what the EVIL step mother is doing to me!! Is this legal???????