Who may not assume Power of Attorney for a resident unless ordered by a specific authority?

The ability to assume Power of Attorney (POA) for a resident is a sensitive matter, particularly in the context of healthcare and assisted living environments. A licensee, owner/operator, or employees of a care facility often occupy positions that present conflicts of interest, as their roles could influence the decision-making process regarding the resident's care and finances. It is crucial to maintain both ethical standards and the resident's autonomy, which is best served by having a neutral party take on the responsibilities of POA.

In contrast, family members and friends of the resident may assume POA if the resident designates them, as they are more likely to have the resident's best interests in mind. Similarly, social workers can play supportive roles but generally would not be granted POA on their own unless specifically ordered by an authority. This helps to ensure that decisions regarding the resident's welfare are made in a manner that is free from bias, thereby protecting the resident's rights and ensuring ethical treatment.