The proposed bill would amend current statutes by introducing new requirements for obtaining informed consent for surgical procedures. Specifically, it mandates that, except in emergencies, informed consent must include the dated signatures of the patient, a witness, and the licensed healthcare provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) performing the procedure. Additionally, it allows a patient's surrogate decision maker to sign the consent form if the patient is unable to do so. If neither the patient nor the surrogate can sign, a witness must verify that the patient indicated their intent to consent.

Furthermore, the bill defines "surgical procedure" to encompass the excision or incision of a patient's body for purposes such as correcting deformities, repairing injuries, or diagnosing and treating diseases. The bill also specifies that the witness signature requirement must align with the policies of the healthcare facility, if applicable. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the informed consent process and ensure clarity and accountability in surgical procedures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-3228.01