Which of the following individuals has priority to be a surrogate decision maker?

The selection that indicates the majority of the patient’s reasonably available adult children as having priority to be a surrogate decision maker aligns with established practices in many legal frameworks surrounding healthcare decision-making. In situations where a patient is unable to make their own medical decisions, adult children generally hold an important role due to their close relationship with the patient and the presumption that they are familiar with the patient’s values, preferences, and best interests.

This approach is often favored because it consolidates decision-making authority among those who are likely to have a deep understanding of the patient’s wishes, making it easier to reach consensus among those who know the patient well. Additionally, relying on a majority helps prevent disputes that could arise if multiple children were involved and could not agree—a common challenge in family dynamics.

In contrast, naming someone in a legal document may not always provide a clear directive, especially if the document is out-of-date or not recognized. The inclusion of all children, without the requirement for a majority or consensus, could lead to conflicts or indecision if the opinions are divided. Friends, while important in a person’s life, typically do not have the same standing in surrogate decision-making as family members, particularly when it comes to making significant health-related choices.