CME and CEU Available A surrogate is any competent adult expressly designated by a principal to make care decisions on behalf of the patient upon the principal’s incapacity. This ethics vignette discusses scope of health care surrogates, legal issues and practical suggestions relating to health care surrogates based on the Guidelines for Ethical Behavior Relating to Clinical Practice Issues in Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (Muscle and Nerve 2015;52;1122-1129). Following the vignette are additional references and a discussion as to how the guidelines can be applied to these various clinical and ethical dilemmas.

OBJECTIVES:  The purpose of this monograph is to familiarize the reader with the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine’s (AANEM’s) Guidelines for Ethical Behavior Relating to Clinical Practice Issues in Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine. By utilizing true clinical scenarios, specific application of the guidelines can be discussed. Upon completion of these vignettes, the participants will acquire skills to (1) treat ALS patients ethically. including decision making and futility of care, (2) recognize whether they as a physician can withhold informing a patient of a terminal diagnosis based on family requests, and (3) discuss assigning a health care surrogate.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
The AANEM is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT DESIGNATION
The AANEM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits ^TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

DISCLOSURE INFORMATION
Dr. Naomi Abel's spouse is an independent contractor for Glaxo Smith Kline and Boehringher Ingelheim. Dr. Lara Katzin is on Grifols Speakers Bureau. Any conflicts of interest have been resolved according to ACCME standards. All other authors/planners of this activity had no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

FORMAT: PDF

Naomi A. Abel, MD and Lara Katzin, MD