Who Can Make the Decisions?
Without Consent Exception
- Upon the inability of any adult to consent for himself and in the absence of any person in the Consent Hierarchy an adult friend of the patient may give consent.
- Adult friend = an adult who (1) has exhibited special care and concern for the patient; (2) who is generally familiar with the patient’s healthcare views and desires; and (3) who is willing and able to become involved in the patient’s healthcare decisions and to act in the patient’s best interest.
- The adult friend shall sign and date an acknowledgment form provided by the hospital for placement in the patient’s records certifying that he or she meets such criteria.
