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E nduring P owers of A ttorney: Promoting attorneys' accountability as substitute decision makers
Author(s) -
Tilse Cheryl,
Wilson Jill,
White Ben,
Willmott Lindy,
McCawley AnneLouise
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12052
Subject(s) - accountability , power of attorney , state (computer science) , service provider , legal advice , focus group , political science , public relations , law , service (business) , psychology , business , health care , algorithm , marketing , computer science
Aim The misuse and abuse of E nduring P owers of A ttorney ( EPAs ) by attorneys, particularly in relation to financial decision‐making, is a growing concern. This paper explores the opportunities to enhance accountability of attorneys at the time of the execution of the document in Q ueensland. Method A four‐stage multi‐method design comprised a critical reference group; semi‐structured interviews with 32 principals or potential principals, attorneys and witnesses; two focus groups with service providers and a state‐wide survey of 76 principals, attorneys and witnesses. Results Across all methods and user groups, understanding the role and obligations of the attorney in an EPA was consistently identified as problematic. Conclusions Promoting accountability and understanding can be addressed by greater attention to the role of the attorney in the forms/ guidelines and in the structure and witnessing of the forms, increased direction about record keeping and access to appropriate advice and support.