French Public Health Code
In forceAny person over the age of 18 may appoint a trusted support person, who may be a relative, a close friend or the doctor treating them. This person will be consulted in the event that they are unable to express their wishes and receive the necessary information. This person will give an account of the person's wishes. His or her testimony prevails over any other testimony. This designation is made in writing and co-signed by the designated person. It may be reviewed and revoked at any time.
If the patient so wishes, the trusted support person will accompany him or her in any steps he or she takes and attend medical appointments to help him or her make decisions.
Whenever a patient is hospitalised in a healthcare establishment, an army hospital or the Institution Nationale des Invalides (National Invalids Institution), the patient is offered the opportunity to appoint a trusted support person under the conditions set out in this article. This appointment is valid for the duration of the hospitalisation, unless the patient decides otherwise.
As part of the patient's care, the attending doctor shall ensure that the patient is informed of the possibility of appointing a trusted support person and, where appropriate, shall invite the patient to make such an appointment.
When a person is the subject of a legal protection measure with representation relating to the person, he or she may appoint a trusted support person with the authorisation of the judge or the family council if this has been formed. If the trusted support person was appointed prior to the guardianship measure, the family council, where applicable, or the judge may confirm the appointment of this person or revoke it.
