Research

Scope and Content Note

The series consists of case files of Surrogate Decision-Making Committees (SDMC) documenting the process of obtaining informed consent for medical treatment for patients not competent to decide for themselves (Laws of 1985, Chapter 354).

Included are informed consent request forms; hearing notices; hearing opening statements; declarations for surrogate decision making forms; outcome of medical procedure forms; hearing attendees lists; correspondence; voting sheets signed by each panel member; memos and correspondence; certifications of capacity; certifications of need for major medical treatment; and various medical documents. The files primarily provide information on the patient's medical condition, evidence used to make decisions, and the panelists' final determinations.

Certain accretions are arranged by case number, which includes the last two numbers of the calendar year, two digits for the month, and sequentially assigned numbers.