Did you know that if a feeding tube is inserted (either temporary or permanent), your spouse/next-of-kin cannot by law ask that it be removed or that you stop being fed by it unless they are also your medical power of attorney?
The spouse can give orders to not do CPR, to take out breathing tubes, turn off vents, stop drips, etc. But is powerless to make decisions about feeding tubes. It seems nonsensical.
I had a case recently where a person's spouse determined that the person had had enough, there was no hope of getting better, and the person would never want to be sustained long-term in this condition. The spouse asked that the NG feeding tube be removed and tube-feedings stopped. The tube had only been in place for about 2 weeks after a medical event, and the patient had not yet left the ICU after that event. But the spouse was then told the law did not allow for that.
The patient would have to continue with the feeding tube until or unless:
a) the patient pulled it out themselves (this patient was not capable of that)
b) the patient's legally designated MPOA made that decision
c) a judge ordered it.
d) doctors determined that the tube-feeding caused further harm to the patient.
In the case of my patient, they were dying, and tube-feeding led to fluid overload, so orders were given to stop feeding. However we had to leave the tube in, unused, and the spouse had to have their last memories be of that ugly tube sticking out of their loved-ones nostril while they passed away.
This is an important reminder for all of us to formally designate a medical power of attorney, have it notarized, and file it away long with a statement of your wishes. Don't assume that your legal spouse can make all decisions for you without this paperwork.