Family role in medical decision making (moral&legal aspect)

Abstract

The surrogate will make decisions, “in accordance with the patient’s wishes, including the patient’s religious and moral beliefs or, if the patient’s wishes are not reasonably known and cannot with reasonable diligence be ascertained, in accordance with the patient’s best interest. An assessment of the patient’s best interests shall include: consideration of the dignity and uniqueness of every person; the possibility and extent of preserving the patient’s life; the preservation, improvement or restoration of the patient’s health or functioning; the relief of the patient’s suffering; and any medical condition and such other concern and values as a reasonable person in the patient’s circumstances would wish to consider.