Default Healthcare Surrogates- Colorado, like CA and TN, Takes Flexible Approach

Most individuals have not completed advance directives. So, when they lose decision-making capacity, their legally authorizes decision maker is typically a default surrogate.  

Almost all states specify a strict sequence (e.g., spouse, adult child, adult sibling...). But California, Colorado, and Tennessee are more flexible and permit the healthcare providers to choose the surrogate they judge best.

This recent show on Colorado Public Radio describes the Colorado approach.