If a resident lacks decision-making capacity, who should be involved to determine their care?

If a resident lacks decision-making capacity, who should be involved to determine their care?

• A. Nurse commentary only.
• B. Family or legally authorized representative and the healthcare team.
• C. Anyone who visits the facility.
• D. The CNA alone.

Answer: (B)

When a resident cannot make their own health decisions, the responsibility falls to someone legally authorized to decide for them, together with the healthcare team. A family member or legally authorized representative (such as a health care proxy or durable power of attorney) should be involved to discuss options, understand risks and benefits, and give consent or help carry out the care plan. This ensures the resident’s wishes and best interests are respected, and any advance directives are followed. The CNA supports this process by observing, reporting the resident’s preferences if known, and implementing the plan under supervision, but cannot decide or authorize care on their own. Involving the proper surrogate and the care team protects the resident’s rights and provides appropriate, coordinated decision-making.

When a resident cannot make their own health decisions, the responsibility falls to someone legally authorized to decide for them, together with the healthcare team. A family member or legally authorized representative (such as a health care proxy or durable power of attorney) should be involved to discuss options, understand risks and benefits, and give consent or help carry out the care plan. This ensures the resident’s wishes and best interests are respected, and any advance directives are followed. The CNA supports this process by observing, reporting the resident’s preferences if known, and implementing the plan under supervision, but cannot decide or authorize care on their own. Involving the proper surrogate and the care team protects the resident’s rights and provides appropriate, coordinated decision-making.