In BC, a temporary-substitute decision-maker (TSDM) is an adult who is ready and capable of making health care treatment decisions on your behalf if you are unconscious or unable to speak for yourself.
Tips & Links
If you become unconscious or unable to speak for yourself and you have not completed a formal representation agreement naming a substitute decision-maker, your physician or care professionals asks for a TSDM to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Learn More
- Learn how a “temporary” substitute decision maker is different from a substitute decision-maker (SDM), and the role, requirements, and limitations of the TSDM from Nidus.
- Learn about the importance of and how to choose a temporary or substitute decision-maker from Healthlink BC.
Things You Can Do
- Make a list of your chosen TSDMs which usually includes family members, such as spouses/partners, children, parents, and siblings. The TSDM must be 19 years or older, aware of your values, beliefs, and preferences, not in conflict with you, and has seen you within the past year.
- Your TSDMs should all know if you have a Do Not Resuscitate or No CPR order, a written advance directive or Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) form, if you are an organ donor, and/or if you have a written advance care plan.
- If you do not have a TSDM list and no family member or close relative is available, the Public Guardian & Trustee (PGT) appoints a legal substitute decision-maker for you.
- Explore how your TSDM list is part of your advance care plan and your end-of-life planning – visit My Voice-An Advance Planning Guide for more information and forms.
Add your Temporary–Substitute Decision-Maker list to your Health Profile PDF tool found in My Health Information. Mywell Health helps you organize your decision documents in one place.