RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Bioethics for clinicians: 5. Substitute decision-making
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 1435
OP 1437
VO 155
IS 10
A1 N. M. Lazar
A1 G. G. Greiner
A1 G. Robertson
A1 P. A. Singer
YR 1996
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/155/10/1435.abstract
AB Substitute decision-making is a means of making health care decisions on behalf of people who are incapable of making these decisions for themselves. It is based on the ethical principle of respect for autonomy. Substitute decision-making poses two main questions: Who-should make the decision for the incapable person, and, How should the decision be made? Because the applicable statutory and common law varies across Canada, clinicians should become familiar with the legal requirements of their own province or territory.