Health care choices for a patient are decided by the following in order:
1- Patients own words.
2- A living will.
3- Durable power of attorney.
4- Next of kin (the person who knows the patient very well to know what the patient would have decided, on provision that he/she tells the patient's wishes not his own)
5- What is best for the patient and what would be chosen by reason.
Exception:
- When grossly demented, with complete loss of judgment and separation from reality (e.g Late Alzheimer's, severe schizophrenia). 1 is eliminated.
- For minors decision making is the responsibility of the caregiver, but life or limb saving procedures should not be withheld, if the condition is acute (e.g splenic rupture with shock) the caregiver's saying is discarded if necessary to maintain the patient's life,. In less acute conditions (e.g leukemia requiring chemotherapy) a court order can be sought, or just discard the caregiver's opinion (according to choices), all of these decisions should be a requirement to save the patient life or limb.
- Minors can have medical service for drug abuse, contraception, prenatal care, obstetric emergencies including delivery and in emergencies without parental consent. Abortion regulations are highly variable in different states.
- A minor is emacipated on marriage (most strong alibi), joining the military or by court order. This makes him/her able to make health choices.
Anyone can add or correct anything? these questions are very common and we have to be able to answer any scenario they come up with.
1- Patients own words.
2- A living will.
3- Durable power of attorney.
4- Next of kin (the person who knows the patient very well to know what the patient would have decided, on provision that he/she tells the patient's wishes not his own)
5- What is best for the patient and what would be chosen by reason.
Exception:
- When grossly demented, with complete loss of judgment and separation from reality (e.g Late Alzheimer's, severe schizophrenia). 1 is eliminated.
- For minors decision making is the responsibility of the caregiver, but life or limb saving procedures should not be withheld, if the condition is acute (e.g splenic rupture with shock) the caregiver's saying is discarded if necessary to maintain the patient's life,. In less acute conditions (e.g leukemia requiring chemotherapy) a court order can be sought, or just discard the caregiver's opinion (according to choices), all of these decisions should be a requirement to save the patient life or limb.
- Minors can have medical service for drug abuse, contraception, prenatal care, obstetric emergencies including delivery and in emergencies without parental consent. Abortion regulations are highly variable in different states.
- A minor is emacipated on marriage (most strong alibi), joining the military or by court order. This makes him/her able to make health choices.
Anyone can add or correct anything? these questions are very common and we have to be able to answer any scenario they come up with.