Resource Link

https://systems.aucd.org/docs/phe/supported-decision-making-manual-for-medical-professionals.pdf

Resource Description

Introduction: This PDF is a guide called "PRACTICAL Tool for Healthcare Providers: Putting Supported Decision Making in Action for Medical Professionals." It was created to help doctors and healthcare workers support people with disabilities in making their own choices. The guide shows how to use less restrictive options than guardianship when helping patients with disabilities make decisions about their health and lives.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: The guide begins with the PRACTICAL Tool, which was first made by the American Bar Association for lawyers but has been changed to help healthcare providers. The name PRACTICAL is an acronym where each letter stands for a step in the process. The guide explains that guardianship should not be the first choice for people with disabilities. Instead, providers should look at other options that let people keep their rights while getting the help they need. These options include supported decision-making agreements, power of attorney documents, advance directives, and HIPAA releases. The tool helps providers identify what specific help a person might need with things like money management, healthcare decisions, relationships, living in the community, and personal safety. It asks providers to check if problems might be caused by temporary issues like medication side effects, stress, or sensory problems that can be fixed. The guide reminds providers that about 25% of South Carolinians have a disability, and having a disability alone does not mean someone cannot make their own decisions. It explains that supported decision-making allows people to choose trusted friends, family members, or professionals to help them understand choices without taking away their right to decide. The document explains the benefits of supported decision-making, which can lead to better mental health, more self-confidence, and greater independence. In contrast, guardianship can take away many rights including the right to marry, vote, drive, work, and choose where to live. The guide includes a checklist for providers to make sure they've given patients a fair chance to show their decision-making abilities. It also lists resources like transition timelines for youth moving to adult healthcare, assessment tools, and agreement templates. The main message is that healthcare providers should assume patients can make decisions unless there is clear evidence they cannot, even with support. Providers should work to preserve patients' rights while ensuring they have the help they need to live as independently as possible.