National Association of Boards of Long Term Care Administrator (NAB) CORE Practice Exam

What is the term for an individual designated to make complex healthcare decisions on behalf of another?

1. Personal representative

2. Proxy decision maker

3. Surrogate decision maker

4. Legal representative

The correct answer is: Surrogate decision maker

The term "surrogate decision maker" refers to an individual who is authorized to make complex healthcare decisions on behalf of another person, typically when that person is unable to make those decisions themselves due to incapacitation or significant health issues. This designation emphasizes the role of the surrogate as someone who acts in the best interests of the individual in question, taking into consideration their values, preferences, and previously expressed wishes regarding medical care. Surrogate decision makers may be family members or close friends, and they are often relied upon to make critical healthcare choices when it comes to treatment options, end-of-life care, and other significant medical decisions. This role is crucial in the healthcare system, as it ensures that choices are made that align with the patient's desires and needs, especially when they cannot communicate them directly. Other terms, such as personal representative or proxy decision maker, can have slightly different legal implications depending on the context, and a legal representative often refers to someone acting with a broader scope of power in legal matters, rather than strictly healthcare decisions. Thus, while all related terms involve decision-making on behalf of another, "surrogate decision maker" specifically captures the essence of making healthcare decisions in the absence of the individual's capacity to do so.