End-of-life care decisions are often made by who?

• A. Family or healthcare proxies.
• B. Hospital administrators.
• C. Pharmacists.
• D. Medical students.

Answer: (A)

End-of-life care decisions are made by someone who knows the patient’s wishes or values. When the patient cannot speak for themselves, a family member or a healthcare proxy named in advance directives or a durable power of attorney for healthcare takes on that role. The surrogate uses substituted judgment to reflect what the patient would have wanted, or, if those wishes aren’t known, makes decisions based on the patient’s best interests and quality of life. This is why family members or designated proxies are the best answer. Hospital administrators oversee policy and operations, pharmacists focus on medications, and medical students are learners who don’t have the authority to determine care plans.