Medical Treatment Decision Maker

When you ask someone to be your medical treatment decision maker, you give them the power to make all the decisions about your healthcare and medical treatment when you are unable to.

Your medical treatment decision maker is legally bound to act in a way that promotes your personal and social wellbeing. They must consider your medical preferences, values and beliefs in order to make the decision they believe you would have made were you able to.

Who to nominate?

You can nominate someone you trust to make decisions about your healthcare on your behalf, in the event that you suffer an injury or medical condition that affects your ability to make those decisions yourself. When you appoint a medical treatment decision maker, you are choosing a trusted relative or friend to manage your health care. The person you appoint becomes your substitute decision-maker if you are no longer able to make decisions.

You may choose and appoint one or more adults to this role.

What can they do?

Your medical treatment decision maker can consent to or refuse treatment on your behalf. They must act in accordance with any lawful limitations or conditions contained in the form. They must make the decision they believe you would make if you could make your own decision. For this reason, it is helpful to talk to them about what is important to you and any preferences you have.

Important to note

If you do not have decision-making capacity to make a medical treatment decision, and have not made an Advance Care Directive, your health practitioner will ask your Medical Treatment Decision Maker to make the decision on your behalf.

If you have appointed a medical enduring power of attorney, an enduring power of attorney, or enduring power of guardianship prior to 12 March 2018, these are still valid.

Let us provide guidance in establishing and managing medical powers of attorney. With us you can ensure that your healthcare preferences are respected.