What information should accompany the time of witnessed deficit for medical decision-making assistance?

• A. The name and telephone contact number for a relative.
• B. The patient’s favorite food.
• C. The patient’s last birthday.
• D. The physician’s license number.

Answer: (A)

When someone’s decision-making capacity is witnessed as impaired, it’s essential to have a clear path to a decision-maker. The time the deficit is observed should be accompanied by the name and a telephone contact number for a relative who can be reached to participate in or authorize decisions about the patient’s care. This ensures timely communication, helps align care with the patient’s values, and allows a known person to provide consent or guidance when the patient cannot. Information like a favorite food or a birthday doesn’t help identify who should be contacted, and a physician’s license number isn’t relevant to facilitating medical decisions in the moment.