Who serves as the backup decision maker if the primary proxy is unavailable?

• A. Primary proxy
• B. Secondary proxy
• C. Limited proxy
• D. General proxy

Answer: (B)

The idea here is that there’s a tiered system for surrogate decision makers: a primary proxy acts first, and a backup is designated to take over if the primary can’t participate. The backup is the secondary proxy, because the term itself signals that position as the next in line after the primary. This ensures decisions continue without delay when the primary proxy is unavailable, maintaining the person’s preferences and timely care. A limited proxy has restricted authority and isn’t meant to step in as a general backup, while a general proxy has broad powers but isn’t specifically designated as the fallback for the primary’s unavailability.