Getting it Right from the Start: Identifying Advanced Directives and Surrogate Decision Makers on Admission_Enduring

Failure to identify surrogate decision makers on admission can delay care decisions, increase family conflict, create ethical and legal uncertainty, and lead to care that may not reflect the patient’s values. Early identification supports timely, coordinated, values-concordant care and reduces burden on families, clinicians, and institutions.

Target Audience

Physicians, Advanced Practice Practitioners (CRNP and PA), Residents, Medical Students, and Physician Practice Staff

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
  • Identify appropriate surrogate decision makers and advance directive documentation during the admission process.
  • Apply institutional and legal standards to determine decision-making authority when a patient lacks capacity.
  • Implement communication strategies that promote timely, values-concordant care and reduce conflict among patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Course summary

Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 1.00 ANCC
    UPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
  • 1.00 Attendance
Course opens: 
10/15/2026
Course expires: 
10/15/2029
UPMC Health Plan
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
United States

PRESENTER:

  • Rene Claxton, MD - Director Palliative Graduate and Undergraduate Medical Education, UPMC

PLANNING COMMITTEE:

  • Donna C. Durant, DNP, MSN, CRNP-FNP - Advanced Practice Provider Education Lead, Palliative Care Inpatient Nurse Practitioner UPMC 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE

No planners, members of the planning committee, speakers, presenters, authors, content reviewers and/or anyone else in a position to control the content of this education activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

The information presented at this CME program represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.

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In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.


Physician (CME)

The University of Pittsburgh designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nursing (CNE)
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Continuing Nursing Education activity is 1.0 contact hour.

Other health care professionals
Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 1.00 ANCC
    UPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
  • 1.00 Attendance
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