Can a guardian make medical decisions on behalf of a ward?

Yes, a guardian in California can make medical decisions on behalf of a ward. This is because a guardian is a person appointed by the court to control the affairs of a ward, who is usually a minor or an incapacitated person. This means the guardian will take on the responsibility of making decisions that are in the ward’s best interest. This includes medical decisions. A guardian can make decisions on the ward’s behalf, ranging from consenting to or refusing medical treatment or surgery, to deciding which doctor the ward can see, or where the ward should receive care. The guardian can also authorize certain medical treatments, or request further medical evaluation if needed. Other medical decisions that a guardian might make include giving or withholding consent to the ward’s taking of medication, providing prior consent and authorization to receive certain medical treatments, or the disposition of the ward’s body upon death. In addition, the guardian is authorized to access the medical records of the ward, and to be involved in any medical decision-making process involving the ward. The guardian has the authority to make a decision over the ward’s medical care, regardless of the opinion of anyone else, such as concerned family members.

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Can a guardian make medical decisions on behalf of a ward?

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