An incompetent patient's closest family member should always have final authority as a surrogate decision maker.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While a closest family member often acts as a surrogate decision maker for an incompetent patient, the authority is not absolute and can be overridden by legal, ethical, or medical considerations. The patient's previously expressed wishes, advance directives, or a legally appointed guardian or power of attorney may take precedence.

An Incompetent Patient's Closest Family Member Should Always Have Final