NYS Surrogate Decision-Making Committee (SDMC)

The Surrogate Decision-Making Committee (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. Our program consists of volunteer panels that make the decision, providing for quicker, more accessible, cost-free, and personalized decision on behalf of individuals receiving services.

SDMC is operated under the jurisdiction of the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. When an individual qualifies for SDMC services, a specialized panel of volunteers make the decision. The volunteer positions on the panel consist of residents in New York State who are a licensed attorney, licensed medical professional, advocate for persons with disabilities, and a family member of an individual with a disability or former patient.