- When in doubt, presume in favor of life.
- A competent patient may give, decline or withdraw consent for any medical treatment, including nutrition and hydration.
- Patients with impaired decision-making capacity (IDMC) retain the same rights as competent patients, but identification of a legal surrogate is required. The key issue is to determine the patient's values and desires for treatment. If no legally defined surrogate exists, contact Legal Affairs (214-590-4575) or page the Institutional Ethics Consultant (214-786-7814).
- The patient, or the patient's legal surrogate, sometimes demands care which the physician deems to be "futile." In these difficult situations the Institutional Ethics Committee must be consulted prior to withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining therapies.
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