In situations where an individual is unable to provide informed consent and has no family or legal surrogate available, major medical decisions can stall in the court system, resulting in delayed care. This episode of the "Could This Happen in Your Program?" podcast explores the Surrogate Decision-Making Committee (SDMC), a critical, non-court alternative authorized by New York State to provide timely and personalized consent for non-emergency major medical treatment and end-of-life care.  

Join us as we discuss who qualifies for the program, the person-centered process guiding the panels' decisions, and the significant benefits it offers to some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers.  

We’ll also share how you, as a licensed professional, former patient, or advocate, can lend your voice to this powerful cause and become an SDMC Volunteer Panel Member.  

Featured Guests:

• Victoria Clingan, Director, SDMC  
• Cindy Pross, SDMC Nurse Case Processor, Registered Nurse