While it is important for people to express their wishes about end-of-life care in advance, a court case in Hawaii reminds us that advance directives do not always ensure that patient’s wishes will be followed. Karen Okada wrote a living will, which the hospital ethics committee found to express a desire not to have a feeding tube in her current condition. A family member has objected, on the basis that he is acting in accordance with his authority as an appointed surrogate. Unfortunately, patients’ preferences can be frustrated by their families or their health care providers.
[Cross-posted from HealthLawProf Blog]