Final answer:
A Health Care Surrogate or Proxy can authorize medical decisions such as consent to treatment, electroconvulsive therapy, and patient transfer, depending on the stipulations in the living will or advanced directives and the principle of autonomy.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Health Care Surrogate or Proxy is an individual appointed to make medical decisions on behalf of another person if they are unable to speak for themselves. This role is established through a legal document and is part of advanced healthcare planning, which may include aspects like a living will or DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders. The specific actions a proxy can authorize depend largely on the instructions provided in the living will and the legal limitations of the jurisdiction. However, some common powers may include
- Consent to treatment for a patient on voluntary status
- Electroconvulsive therapy
- Transfer to another facility
The principle of autonomy is key, as it respects the patient's right to self-determination regarding their own healthcare. Parents can normally provide consent on behalf of their children, but cannot perform actions against the stated wishes in the living will or advanced directives.