Central Otago Grey power members were surprised this week to learn they did not have the rights they thought they had when it came to making decisions about their spouses or partners in times of medical emergency.
Public Trust adviser for Central Lakes and Central Otago Nikki Hart told members that under the Privacy Act, no-one could say yes or no to any medical treatment for someone else unless they had a power of attorney over that person.
Ms Hart said the first time some people found out about the law was when their spouse was taken to hospital and they needed someone to sign a form for treatment.
A person had to have proof they held power of attorney before they could sign, Ms Hart said.
The hospital and medical staff could make a decision themselves if the medical problem was life-threatening.
Where no-one had power of attorney, the hospital would apply to the courts and a person, usually within the health service, would be appointed.
But an invoice of $6000 to $7000 would arrive for the service, Ms Hart said.
The only people exempt were the parents or guardians of minors, who were allowed to speak for the child.
