Final answer:
A spouse, partner, or relative may make medical decisions for a patient unless they have a conflicting interest that could compromise the decision's integrity. Preparing a living will and appointing a health care proxy are critical steps to ensure wishes are respected, especially in cases requiring hospice care.
Step-by-step explanation:
A spouse, partner, or relative who is present when the treatment is proposed may make the decision on behalf of a patient unless they have a conflicting interest. In the realm of medical ethics and law, certain scenarios necessitate clear boundaries to ensure that the decisions made are in the best interests of the patient. The criteria for a person to act as a health care proxy are strict to safeguard patients' rights and health outcomes. For example, if a spouse has a financial interest in the patient not receiving care, this would be considered a conflicting interest.
It is essential for individuals to prepare for situations where they might not be able to make medical decisions for themselves. This is where legal documents like a living will and health care proxy come into play. The living will specifies what medical treatments a person may or may not want to have in certain situations, and a health care proxy names someone to make decisions if the patient is incapacitated.
In circumstances of severe illness, services like hospice can provide compassionate care, focusing on pain management and a dignified approach to end-of-life treatment outside a hospital setting. The hospice team works closely with the patient and family, adhering to the patient's wishes as outlined in their living will or as expressed by the health care proxy.