My cousin came in through the emergency room in critical condition. Before losing consciousness, he had said he "had no family", didn't want anyone notified. After he lost consciousness, his breathing became more irregular and he needed a ventilator. At that time, the hospital decided to call his mother to ask if she wanted him vented. Since she had had no contact with him, in years, she didn't know what to say, so she said okay. Should the hospital have contacted his mother?

How did they know his mother existed and how to contact her?

Unless had a written and signed DNR order in place... yes they could, and yes they should.

A verbal isn't binding.

Yes, they are to notiify the next of kin.. unless he signed a order not to be revived and not to be keep alive...

But I have to agree, if he comes in, and does not give them any names or numbers, there is no way the hospital will know who to call.. so the story does not add up.. the person had to give hospital name and number of mother, if she was contacted.