NYS Justice Center For The Protection of People with Special Needs Seeks Volunteer Panel members For Their Surrogate Decision-Making Committee (SDMC) Program
In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs is seeking volunteer panel members for its Surrogate Decision-Making Committee (SDMC) program. The SDMC program is an alternative to the court system and is authorized to provide consent for non-emergency major medical treatment and end-of-life care decisions for people who qualify.
Volunteer panels who make the decision, providing for quicker, more accessible, cost-free, and personalized decision on behalf of individuals with disabilities. To be considered as a volunteer panel member, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- NYS Licensed Health Care Professional (e.g., physician, nurse, clinical social worker)
- NYS Attorney; Former patients or family members of individuals with mental disabilities; or
- Advocate for persons with mental disabilities (e.g., persons with recognized expertise or demonstrated interest in the care and treatment or individuals with behavioral health or developmental disabilities)
EAC Network’s SDMC program is partnered with the New York State Justice Center to provide this service and facilitate hearings to local communities in Long Island, NYC Metro, Westchester, and Hudson Valley. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please visit justicecenter.ny.gov/volunteer .
