A health care surrogate plays a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being and dignity of someone who can no longer make their own medical decisions. It requires a deep understanding of the principal’s wishes and values and the ability to communicate effectively with healthcare providers.
This short blog will explain the circumstances under which a healthcare surrogate can make decisions. After reading, you may gain clarity and peace of mind during these confusing times.
When does a surrogate’s authority begin and end?
A healthcare surrogate is someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so. This role becomes active under specific conditions.
The primary factor is the principal’s capacity to make their own healthcare decisions. If there’s doubt about a person’s ability to make informed choices, a doctor will evaluate their capacity. If the doctor determines that the person lacks the necessary capacity, the facility will inform the surrogate that their authority to make health care decisions can start.
During this time, the surrogate can make decisions just as the principal would. Their authority continues until the principal regains their decision-making capacity.
If the principal gets better, their decisions take precedence. That said, if they lose capacity again, the surrogate’s role is reinstated. It’s a flexible system that ensures a trusted individual can always step in when needed.
Protect your loved one through a trusted surrogate
Understanding when a healthcare surrogate can step in is vital for protecting your loved one’s healthcare wishes. It provides a safety net for those times when they cannot make decisions on their own. If you are a surrogate or considering appointing one, being aware of these guidelines will help you understand the responsibilities.
