Who are substitute decision makers?
What is a substitute decision-maker? A substitute decision-maker (SDM) is a person you choose in advance to make health care decisions for you in the event that you can’t make them for yourself.
What is a temporary substitute decision maker in BC?
TSDM stands for Temporary Substitute Decision Maker. It is the name of a role when you (the adult/patient/client/resident) are determined incapable of informed consent for health care that is offered and no other legal authority is in place to consent on your behalf.
How is a temporary substitute decision maker chosen?
A TSDM is a person selected by a health care provider if an adult/patient is not capable of giving or refusing informed consent for a specific health care decision and there is no other authority available. The TSDM is selected from a next-of-kin and friend list, with the Public Guardian and Trustee as the last resort.
Who makes medical decisions if you are incapacitated BC?
Appointment of Substitute Decision Maker An incapable adult may have a guardian (called a Committee (“kaw-mit-tay”) of the Estate or Committee of Person, or both) appointed by the courts (or by statute) to make decisions. The PGT may be appointed to make decisions by court order.
How do you know if a substitute decision maker is making decisions in the best interest of the patient?
The substitute decision-maker must make decisions based on prior expressed wishes of the patient. If the substitute decision-maker does not know of a wish applicable in the situation, or it is impossible to follow the wish, the substitute decision-maker must act in the patient’s best interests.
Who is next of kin for medical decisions?
‘Next of kin’ is an informal term commonly used to refer to a person’s immediate or close family members. The term is not recognised in the laws about decision-making for health care or medical treatment.
What happens if you don’t have a power of attorney in BC?
Without an enduring power of attorney, if you become incapable, someone may have to apply to BC Supreme Court to be appointed your committee of estate. A committee of estate has the authority to look after your legal and financial affairs. Usually a spouse or other family member applies.
What is a personal directive called in BC?
A health care directive, also called a living will, power of attorney for personal care, or advance directive, sets out in writing your wishes for your medical care and treatment.
Who makes medical decisions if you are incapacitated Canada?
If you are incapable of making a health care decision, your substitute decision maker is responsible for making a decision on your behalf. Depending on where you live in Canada, this person can also be called a: medical proxy. health representative or agent.
What is a representative agreement in British Columbia?
A Representation Agreement is the key legal document in British Columbia for personal planning/advance care planning. It is a legally enforceable document and used in case of incapacity, for end-of-life, and other support needs. You must be an adult (19 years or older) to make a Representation Agreement.
Who will make healthcare decisions for me when I can t?
A medical or health care power of attorney is a type of advance directive in which you name a person to make decisions for you when you are unable to do so. In some states this directive may also be called a durable power of attorney for health care or a health care proxy. Patient advocate.
Who makes medical decisions if cant?
If you are unable to make decisions due to an injury or a medical condition, then your medical treatment decision maker will need to make the decision on your behalf. You can legally appoint a person to be your medical treatment decision maker to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.