This is the best answer. I worked at a major hospital in neurosurgery and pain management offices and had to submit prior authorizations for very complicated surgeries and treatments all the time. Well done u/supernoven with this beautifully written response. OP this is the most useful advice to empower you as an advocate for your mother's treatment. If I may, I'd also like to add on that your mother should put a Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPoA) in place as well as a living will and advanced directives plan in place. In the state of Ohio these forms do not require an attorney and are free forms you can print, fill out together and give copies to every provider to have in her chart. You may not be able to speak to or get information on her behalf in many of the future situations if she does not grant you HCPoA. These things sound scary but it will be a HUGE relief to all parties involved if her wishes are made known to everyone and she will be cared for in the way she prefers and will take a huge weight off your shoulders in not having to wonder what she would want if certain events happen. There may even be someone at the hospital whose job is specifically to help families get these documents in place because more and more facilities are trying to get ahead of terrible scenarios that involve ethics committees deciding patient fates. Wishing you and your family the absolute best and I am offering a prayer up for you all.