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Surrogate Decision-Making

Meaning

In the clinical setting of hormonal health and longevity, Surrogate Decision-Making refers to the process where an authorized individual makes medical choices on behalf of a patient who lacks the capacity to make those decisions for themselves. This ethical and legal principle is paramount in scenarios involving advanced age, acute illness, or cognitive decline, particularly when complex, long-term interventions like hormone optimization or advanced longevity protocols are being considered. The surrogate’s role is to apply the principle of substituted judgment, acting according to the patient’s known wishes and best interests. This practice ensures continuous, ethical care for vulnerable individuals.