If the patient objects to the health care agent's decision, what is the effect on the agent's decision?

If the patient objects to the health care agent's decision, what is the effect on the agent's decision?

• A. There is no effective refusal
• B. The decision becomes invalid
• C. EMS must obtain physician approval
• D. The patient must sign a new MOLST

Answer: (A)

When a patient has designated a health care agent to make decisions when they can’t, that agent’s choice reflects the patient’s stated wishes and is used by EMS in those moments. If the patient objects to the agent’s decision, there is no effective refusal—the agent’s decision remains in place unless the patient regains capacity to revoke or a formal revocation or new directive is made. In short, the agent’s decision stands at the time of care, and objections alone do not invalidate it.

When a patient has designated a health care agent to make decisions when they can’t, that agent’s choice reflects the patient’s stated wishes and is used by EMS in those moments. If the patient objects to the agent’s decision, there is no effective refusal—the agent’s decision remains in place unless the patient regains capacity to revoke or a formal revocation or new directive is made. In short, the agent’s decision stands at the time of care, and objections alone do not invalidate it.