A formal substitute decision-maker (SDM), also referred to as a proxy decision maker, is an adult you have named in a written representation agreement to act on your behalf to make your health care decisions if you are unable to do so.
Tips & Links
A substitute decision-maker (SDM), named in a legal representation agreement, is a person who can make medical decisions and provide consent for treatment or withdrawal of treatment on your behalf when you are incapable of communicating your wishes.
Learn More
- Your SDM should be trusted, understand your values, beliefs, and preferences, and be committed to making decisions in your best interest. Learn more about choosing a substitute decision-maker from Healthlink BC.
- Check out BC Centre for-Palliative-Care for information on choosing and/or being a substitute decision-maker.
- Learn about what a representation agreement is and how it outlines the role of a substitute decision-maker from Nidus.
Things You Can Do
- Understand the difference between a temporary substitute decision-maker (TSDM) and a substitute decision-maker (SDM).
- Your SDM should 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, are an organ donor, and/or you have a written advance care plan.
- Explore how choosing a substitute decision-maker (SDM) is part of your advance care plan – visit My Voice-An Advance Planning Guide for more information and forms.
- Know that if you do not have a SDM and no family member or close relative is available, the Public Guardian & Trustee (PGT) appoints a legal substitute decision-maker for you.
- Understand the difference between the legal documents of an advance directive, a representation agreement, and an enduring power of attorney. For example, an advance directive is a list of instructions while the representation agreement or enduring POA designates the person who must follow the list of instructions and be your voice.
- Consider early planning for people with dementia from the Alzheimer’s Society.
Add your Substitute Decision-Maker to your Health Profile PDF tool found in My Health Information. Mywell Health helps you organize your decision documents in one place. File your Representation Agreement in both digital and print forms under My End of Life Decisions.