What does a power of attorney allow someone to do?

The correct choice indicates that a power of attorney allows someone to act for another person in legal and financial matters. This legal document grants a designated individual (the agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to make decisions and take actions on behalf of the person who creates the power of attorney (the principal). This may include managing financial accounts, signing contracts, and handling other financial responsibilities. In essence, it provides broad authority to manage the affairs of the principal, which is crucial in scenarios where the principal cannot make those decisions themselves due to reasons like illness, injury, or absence.

In contrast to other options, a power of attorney is not limited to health care decisions alone, nor does it automatically grant control over medical records or allow for personal decisions to be made without consent. Each of these areas may have different forms of authorization or require explicit consent, but the broad scope of a power of attorney specifically focuses on legal and financial decision-making.