More or less needing confirmtion on this, but a durable POA is not permitted to add themselves as joint owner on an acount, correct?

Thanks

My understanding is that a POA does not change the ownership of the account. If the account was an individual (single owner) account, the introduction of a POA would only change the signatory (not the ownership).

It depends on the scope of authority given to the agent in the POA. Some allow for "self dealing" and gifting.

As noted, if the POA specifically allows for such actions, then it is acceptable. Otherwise, the general fiduciary principle is that, in acting for the principal, the attorney-in-fact cannot do anything that benefits himself.