I just have one comment regarding the physician giving the medication to a "friend" as being illegal. I think that would depends on Ed's situation. In my case I think I would trust one of my friends to make better medical decisions on my behalf than my H at this time. My one friend is much closer to me and has a strong medical background. She would not just blindly accept what the physician recommended.

Also... you hear about situations where gay couples have problems. The patient's partner or "friend" may be a better advocate and may know what the individual truly would want...better than the family. Consider how many people here would find themselves back in the lion's den, if their physician by default turned their medical decisions back to an abusive family member.

If anything this situation make you consider who you list as an emergency contact on your medical record paperwork/insurance. This discussion is prompting me to reconsider the stuff I quickly jotted down during my first office visit.