The bill amends the Arkansas Healthcare Decisions Act to clarify the authority of a surrogate in obtaining records related to a principal's income, assets, and banking and financial records. It specifies that a surrogate can apply for public benefits such as Medicare and Medicaid on behalf of the principal and can access necessary information to do so. The bill introduces new requirements for the written designation of a surrogate, which must be signed by the principal or a supervising healthcare provider and include specific identifying information. Additionally, it establishes that the surrogate's authority to access financial records does not grant them control over the principal's assets.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for financial institutions when a surrogate requests access to records for accounts co-owned by the principal. It mandates that institutions notify joint account holders of such requests and allows them to object within a specified timeframe. The bill also provides protections for entities that rely on the written designation of a surrogate, ensuring they are not liable for providing access to the requested records. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the clarity and functionality of the surrogate's role in managing the principal's healthcare and financial decisions.

Statutes affected:
SB 178: 20-6-106(d), 20-6-111