What is a common misconception about patient advocates?

The belief that patient advocates have legal authority to make medical decisions for their clients is a common misconception. In reality, while patient advocates play a crucial role in supporting patients by providing information, helping them understand their rights, and navigating the healthcare system, they do not possess legal authority to make decisions on behalf of patients. Typically, these advocates are there to empower patients to make informed choices about their own health care, facilitating communication with healthcare providers and ensuring that patient preferences are taken into account.

Understanding this distinction is important, as it allows patients to recognize the supportive rather than decision-making role of patient advocates, thus enabling them to engage more actively and knowledgeably in their own healthcare journeys.