1997 Minnesota Statutes

     145C.01 Definitions. 

    Subdivision 1.    Applicability.  The definitions in 
 this section apply to this chapter. 

    Subd. 2.    Agent.  "Agent" means an individual age 18 
 or older who is designated by a principal in a durable power of 
 attorney for health care to make health care decisions on behalf 
 of a principal and has consented to act in that capacity.  An 
 agent may also be referred to as "attorney in fact." 

    Subd. 3.    Durable power of attorney for health care.  
 "Durable power of attorney for health care" means an instrument 
 authorizing an agent to make health care decisions for the 
 principal if the principal is unable, in the judgment of the 
 attending physician, to make or communicate health care 
 decisions. 

    Subd. 4.    Health care.  "Health care" means any care, 
 treatment, service, or procedure to maintain, diagnose, or treat 
 a person's physical or mental condition.  "Health care" includes 
 the provision of nutrition or hydration parenterally or through 
 intubation.  "Health care" does not include intrusive mental 
 health treatment as defined in section 253B.03, subdivision 6b, 
 unless the durable power of attorney for health care 
 specifically applies to decisions relating to intrusive mental 
 health treatment.  

    Subd. 5.    Health care decision.  "Health care decision"
 means the consent, refusal of consent, or withdrawal of consent 
 to health care. 

    Subd. 6.    Health care provider.  "Health care provider"
 means a person, health care facility, organization, or 
 corporation licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized or 
 permitted by the laws of this state to administer health care 
 directly or through an arrangement with other health care 
 providers, including health maintenance organizations licensed 
 under chapter 62D. 

    Subd. 7.    Health care facility.  "Health care facility"
 means a hospital or other entity licensed under sections 144.50 
 to 144.58, a nursing home licensed to serve adults under section 
 144A.02, or a home care provider licensed under sections 144A.43 
 to 144A.49. 

    Subd. 8.    Principal.  "Principal" means an individual 
 age 18 or older who has executed a durable power of attorney for 
 health care. 

    HIST: 1993 c 312 s 2