Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Florida
Informed Consent-Next of Kin
Are doctors obligated to contact next of kin or are they permitted to act on instructions of an insurance company without obtaining, or attempting to obtain consent from next of kin, where there is no living will or power of attorney
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Informed Consent-Next of Kin
Please be more specific about what the problem is. I.e., are you concerned about a living will issue or a do not resuscitate order? Or about an autopsy? A physician�s obligations regarding a deceased patient, if any, may vary depending upon the circumstances. If you provide additional information I may be able to assist you.
Re: Informed Consent-Next of Kin
Without conducting research, I cannot answer your question. However, I would not rely solely on any insurance company. I would make every reasonable effort to contact the next of kin.