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.
- 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.
- Understand the difference between a temporary substitute decision-maker and a substitute decision-maker.
- 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) document, 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.
- 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.
- Your Mywell Health planner has been designed to organize all your end-of-life decision documents in one place – keep digital and print copies in the section My End-of-Life Decisions.
Tools – Handouts & Videos
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