Surrogate Decision Making Committee (SDMC) | The Peacemaker Program, Inc.

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Surrogate Decision Making Committee (SDMC)

Giving a Voice to the Disabled

Trained volunteers hear cases of consumers with developmental disabilities who lack decision making capacity and who have no legal guardian or authorized surrogate to make a decision or act in his or her best interest regarding medical treatment. This is an alternative to the courts. What makes SDMC different?

No court or attorney fees
Over 8,000 cases heard
Available Statewide
Hearings held in your area
Expedited hearings available
Hearings held within 14 days on average
Person-centered approach to medical decision-making

Who Do We Serve?

SDMC serves mentally disabled persons in facilities or programs licensed, operated or funded by the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities or the Office of Mental Health who do not have capacity to make informed decisions regarding major medical treatment and do not have a legally authorized surrogate to act on their behalf.

SDMC functions using specially trained volunteer panels that review declarations regarding a person’s capacity and need for treatment, then render a decision at a hearing. SDMC decisions are rendered on average within 14 days from the time a case is received in our office.

SDMC offers a more timely, person centered and cost-free alternative to the court system to obtain informed consent for non-emergency major medical treatment. The SDMC process keeps all interested parties involved while putting the needs of the patient first.

More Information

If you have questions or concerns about the quality of care being provided to a New York State citizen with a mental disability, would like Commission assistance, or need additional information about the Commission’s services, please contact us:

TOLL FREE [New York State]

1-800-624-4143 [Voice/TDD]

Fax: (518) 388-1276

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

NYS Commission on Quality of Care for The Mentally Disabled

401 State Street

Schenectady, NY 12305-2397

Website: www.cqc.state.ny.us