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.
noun, plural agencies. 1. an organization, company, or bureau that provides some service for another: a welfare agency. 2. a company having a franchise to represent another. 3. a governmental bureau, or an office that represents it. 4. the place of business of an agent.