Also see the separate article Coma. Previously, the term persistent vegetative state (PVS) was used to describe all patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness. PVS has become marked by ethical and medical dilemmas, often, if not always, requiring legal assistance.
Full Definition of AGENCY. 1. a: the office or function of an agent b: the relationship between a principal and that person's agent. 2. : the capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power: operation.
A. Agency: a two-party relationship where one party is permitted to act on behalf of, and under the control of, another party. B. Agent: the party authorized to act on behalf of, or under the control of, someone else. C. Principal: the party who permits another to act on his or her behalf. II. Characteristics of an Agency. A. Created by the appearance of an agreement between two parties that one will act on the others behalf.