Question

In the Hierarchy of Substitute Decision Makers, #4 Includes the Spouse, Partner, or Relative. What Is the Order?

a) Spouse, sibling, parent, adult child
b) Sibling, parent, adult child, spouse
c) Parent, adult child, sibling, spouse
d) Adult child, sibling, spouse, parent

Answer 1

The correct order of Substitute Decision Makers in the Hierarchy is parent, adult child, sibling, spouse, in order of priority.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct order of Substitute Decision Makers in the Hierarchy is c) Parent, adult child, sibling, spouse.

This means that according to the Hierarchy of Substitute Decision Makers, after the individual themselves, the first person who can make decisions on their behalf is a parent. If the parent is not available or able to fulfill this role, the next person in line is an adult child. If both parents and adult children are unable to make decisions, the third person in line is a sibling. And finally, if none of the previous options are available, the spouse is the fourth and final option as a Substitute Decision Maker.

For example, if an individual is incapacitated and unable to make medical decisions, their parent would be the first person approached to make decisions on their behalf. If the parent is unavailable, then the responsibility would fall to an adult child, then a sibling, and finally the spouse.