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Family Heath Care Decisions Act Information Center
New York’s Family Health Care Decisions Act
(FHCDA)[1] establishes the authority of a patient’s family
member or close friend to make health care decisions for the patient in
cases where the patient lacks decisional capacity and did not leave
prior instructions or appoint a health care agent. This
“surrogate” decisionmaker would also be empowered to direct
the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining treatment when
standards set forth in the statute are satisfied.The key provisions of the FHCDA became effective on June
1, 2010.
The FHCDA Information Center is a project of the
NYSBA Health Law Section. It is designed as a resource for all
persons – including health care professionals, health care
attorneys, advocacy groups, policymakers and members of the public
– who are seeking information about the FHCDA.
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