Who is typically considered the primary contact for advance directives?

The primary contact for advance directives is typically considered to be a close family member or surrogate. This is because advance directives are documents that allow individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in the event that they are unable to communicate those preferences themselves. In many cases, family members or designated surrogates are more familiar with the individual’s values, beliefs, and desires regarding healthcare decisions. As a result, they are often relied upon to interpret and communicate these preferences to healthcare providers when necessary.

While healthcare providers play an essential role in ensuring that advance directives are respected and implemented, they do not serve as the primary contacts since their focus is on medical care rather than the personal values reflected in the advance directives. Similarly, a legal guardian may have authority in certain situations, but this role is often more about the legal responsibilities for the individual's well-being rather than being the key figure in communicating advance directives. Friends may provide support, but they typically do not have the intimate knowledge required to act as primary contacts for such personal and sensitive decisions. Therefore, the close family member or surrogate is recognized as the most appropriate primary contact in these situations.